Memorial Day in your community

Thursday, May 21st, 2015

Memorial Day is a U.S. holiday remembering the men and women who have died during military service. All federal flags are flown at half mass on this day in honor of those who gave their lives to protect us. Many cemeteries will be having Memorial Day services, typically hosted by local VFWs or American Legions. Cities will often host parades or festivals, and many people will celebrate Memorial Day by enjoying picnics or outdoor gatherings with their friends and family. See below for a list of local Memorial Day observances:

 

Historic Fort Snelling

Travel back in time as you witness staff depicting characters from 225 years of military history, and experience the thrill of firing demonstrations at the fort.

10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Veterans admitted free.

$11 for adults, $9 for seniors and college students, $6 children 6-17, free for children 5 and under.

www.historicfortsnelling.org

 

The Landing

This historic site, on the Minnesota River in Shakopee, is having a weekend of Civil War-themed events on Saturday, Sunday, and Memorial Day, with a special ceremony at 2 p.m. on Monday. See what life was like along the Minnesota River during this time; meet fur traders, townsfolk and Civil War soldiers, or ride on a horse-drawn trolley and play old-fashioned games. http://www.threeriversparks.org/events/M/memorial-day-weekend.aspx

 

Lakewood Cemetery

There are many activities for all ages at this event, from horse and carriage rides through the uptown Minneapolis cemetery, to concert performances, street car rides, refreshments, and walking tours of the art and beautifully landscaped gardens.

http://www.lakewoodcemetery.com/memorial_day.html

 

Valleyfair honors our Hometown Heroes

Valleyfair will be honoring hometown heroes with Military Appreciation Days this Memorial Day weekend. Any member of the armed service, active or veteran, will receive a free regular admission ticket. Along with free admission, members of the military will be able to purchase discount admission tickets for members of their immediate family (maximum of six) at a special military discount price of $28.50. A valid military ID required.

 

Memorial day recipe ideas

If your Memorial Day plans include a good old-fashioned picnic, we found a few easy and great tasting recipes for you!

Hawaiian Ham Sliders – These sandwiches are always great to bring to a picnic because you can make them ahead of time, and you can make a large batch if you have a crowd to feed. Plus, they can be served warm or cold.

2 packages of Hawaiian Sweet Dinner Rolls

1 package of Sliced Deli Ham

12 slices of Swiss Cheese

½ cup melted butter

1 Tablespoon Poppy Seeds

1 ½ teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce

1 ½ teaspoon Dijon Mustard

1 teaspoon Onion powder

 

Slice top from rolls and place bottoms in baking pan. Layer ham and cheese on rolls. Replace tops. Combine butter, poppy seeds, mustard, Worcestershire, onion powder and mix well. Drizzle over rolls. Refrigerate until butter is firm or overnight. Cover with foil and bake at 350° for 30 minutes or until cheese melts. Uncover and cook for 2 additional minutes.

 

Potato Salad – This not-so-traditional version of the dish is perfect for a picnic because instead of the mayo-and-egg-type potato salads that have to be chilled, this potato salad is best served at room temperature.

3 pounds fingerling potatoes or Yukon gold, cut into large pieces

½ cup olive oil

3 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme

2 teaspoons each of salt and pepper

1/3 red wine vinegar

3 teaspoons coarse-grained mustard

1 ½ teaspoons granulated sugar

7 slices of cooked bacon cut into pieces

½ cup chopped green onions

 

Place cut potatoes in a cooking pot, cover with water and place lid on pot. Bring to a boil and cook potatoes until fork tender (about 12min.) To make the dressing, add the thyme, salt, pepper, vinegar, mustard and sugar into a jar with lid and shake to combine. Drain the cooked potatoes and place in a medium size bowl. Pour the dressing over the hot potatoes, add the bacon and onions then toss to coat. Lastly, eat and enjoy! (Serves 8)

 

Comments are closed.