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Best Memorial Day 2017 Events For The Family In Orange County

memorial day 610
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Memorial Day is one last day for the family to enjoy a day together before summer vacation officially begins. At the same time, it is a day where parents have the opportunity to teach their kids the solemn meaning of the observance. If you are looking for an activity on Memorial Day, here are some good options that will allow you to spend time with your family and remember those who have fallen in service of their country.

laguna hills memorial half day marathon
(credit: Emil C./yelp)

Memorial Day Half Marathon
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
(949) 975-8506
www.lagunahillshalfmarathon.com
Date: May 29, 2017

Honoring the United States Marine Corps Dark Horse Battalion, the Memorial Day Half Marathon is a great option for the family that loves exercising together. You can choose one of a number of options on this day: a half marathon, or a 5K or 10K that you can either run or walk. There is even a half-mile kids run, so everybody can participate. The longer races start at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center and finish at Laguna Hills Community Center, while the kids races begin and end at the Laguna Hills Community Center.

strawberry festival
(credit: Garden Grove Strawberry Festival)

Strawberry Festival
Intersection of Euclid and Main
Garden Grove, CA
(714) 638-0891
www.strawberryfestival.org
Dates: May 26 - May 29, 2017

This year marks the 59th year that Garden Grove has hosted the Strawberry Festival. This event lasts throughout the entire Memorial Day Weekend and is always a great event for the entire family. This festival includes a number of activities, including a Strawberry Stomp 5K run, a parade with bands, floats, horses, clowns, TV and film celebs and more, live music, a redhead roundup contest and more. You'll also find a variety of rides that everyone in the family can enjoy. And, there will be a Berry Berry Beautiful Baby Contest for children 3 months to under 3 years. Burt Ward will be the Grand Marshall, while Randy Barth, the CEO of THINK Together will be the Theme Grand Marshall. Admission to the festival is free. All-day passes for rides are available for $30 on Friday and $35 for the rest of the weekend. Why is it called the Strawberry Festival? When the festival was first held, it was suggested that the event be about the areas prolific strawberry fields. Over time though, the festival has turned into much more, with carnival rides, parades and much more.

Related: Best Spring Festivals near Orange County

American Flags
(credit: Thinkstock)

28th Annual Memorial Day Program
El Toro Memorial Park
25751 Trabuco Rd
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 951-9102
Date: May 29, 2017

There are lots of ways to observe the solemn occasion of Memorial Day. In Lake Forest, you'll find an observance that pays respect to those who have lost their lives defending American freedom. Stop by El Toro Memorial Park for the 28th Annual Memorial Day Program on Monday, May 29th at 11am and hear from guest speakers, listen to live musical performances, and watch a wreath laying ceremony. In addition to an honor guard firing salute, there will be plenty of other events to see and take part in.

american flag waving july 4 memorial day
(credit: istockphoto)

San Clemente Memorial Day Event
San Clemente Community Center
San Clemente, CA
www.san-clemente.org
Dates: May 29, 2017 from 11am to 12pm

Honor American troops this year at San Clemente's Memorial Day observance. Mayor Kathy Ward will be on hand, and Lt. Col. Luke McConnel will give a keynote address. In addition, they will have a presentation of wreaths and flowers, as well as bag pipers and tap buglers.

american flag veterans day
(credit: Africa Studio/Shutterstock)

Memorial Day Observance
San Clemente Community Center
100 N. Calle Seville
San Clemente, CA 92672
(949) 361-8264
www.san-clemente.org
Date: May 29, 2017

Every year, San Clemente hosts an event to honor the soldiers who have fallen defending our country. This year, the observance features a couple different speakers - including military representatives and local officials. This event also features bagpipes, patriotic music and a ceremony to lay flowers and remember those who have lost their lives. This event is from 11 a.m. until 1pm.

Related: Best Races For Getting Dirty Near Orange County

huntington beach pier
(credit: Vin Le./shutterstock)

Memorial Day Ceremony
Huntington Beach Pier Plaza
Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street
www.surfcityusa.com
Date: May 29, 2017

The annual Memorial Day Ceremony in Huntington Beach is back again this year! Hosted by the American Legion Post 133, there will be a 21 gun salute, a flag raising, and playing of taps. Local dignitaries will also be in attendance. Honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and show up to this ceremony!

Bill Barber Park
(credit: Michael T./yelp)

Irvine Memorial Day Ceremony
Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park
4 Civic Center Plaza
Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 724-6606
www.surfcityusa.com
Date: May 29, 2017 at 10am

The City of Irvine will host its annual Memorial Day Ceremony in the Formal Garden at Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park again this year. Guests of the event will have the chance to honor family and friends who made the ultimate sacrifice for our great country. For those who died, attendees can write down a brief story or remembrance to be posted for people to see at the event.

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