Here's how to celebrate Memorial Day, honor fallen heroes around Springfield
Note: A previous edition of this story erroneously stated the title of Jim Robinette.
A little more than a week away, Memorial Day is Monday, May 27 and there are numerous ways to honor those who lost their lives while serving the country.
The News-Leader compiled a list of seven Memorial Day events in the Ozarks held throughout the final weekend in May.
The X Center in Nixa
When: 9 a.m. Saturday, May 25
Where: The X Center at 701 N. Taylor Way in Nixa
The X Center's Memorial Day ceremony will be held at the Veterans Memorial. Light refreshments will be served.
Hy-Vee's Kids in the Kitchen
When: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 25
Where: Hy-Vee at 1720 W. Battlefield Road
Hy-Vee's Kids in the Kitchen event for the month of May will feature four Memorial Day-inspired recipes. Hy-Vee Dietitian Audrey Williams will aid children in this hands-on cooking class intended for ages 4-12. Parents can stay throughout the cooking class or shop throughout the store.
Tickets are $10 per child. Kids in the Kitchen is held inside the Club Room, which is accessible beside the Deli.
Willard's Memorial Day Team Roping
When: 2 p.m. Sunday, May 26
Where: Rose Arena at 7474 W. Farm Road 22 in Willard
Willard's annual Memorial Day Team Roping is back for its 44th year. The weekend event features an array of rodeo-style competitions with prizes. Concessions will be provided by Roosters BBQ.
Big Cedar Lodges' Memorial Day Patriotic Picnic
When: 5:30-9 p.m. Sunday, May 26
Where: Big Cedar Lodge's Grandview Conference Center Lawn at 190 Top of the Rock Road in Ridgedale
Big Cedar Lodge's Memorial Day Patriotic Picnic is open to the public and complementary for overnight guests. The picnic will feature food provided by the lodge and live music from Clay Self at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks will be held after dark. Folks are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs.
Big Cedar Lodge is hosting several other Memorial Day weekend events, including a Pedal Boat Family Fishing Tournament on Friday, May 24 and Saturday, May 25, Run to Remember 5K on Saturday, May 25 and Family Bowling Tournament on Thursday, May 23.
MyBike.Club's Honor Ride VIII
When: 7 a.m. Monday, May 27
Where: Sherwood Elementary School at 2524 S. Golden Ave.
MyBike.Club, a bicycle riding club, is hosting its eighth annual Memorial Day Honor Ride. The bicycle ride will kick off at Sherwood Elementary School and is about 28 miles. Riders will cycle at their own pace. A bathroom will be available at mile eight and a Walgreens will be available at mile 17, if needed. The entire bicycle route is paved.
Folks who are interested in participating in the Honor Ride should complete a MyBike.Club waiver (available online) and email it to jrandyfry@gmail.com.
Springfield National Cemetery's Memorial Day ceremony
When: 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Monday, May 27
Where: Springfield National Cemetery at 1702 E. Seminole St.
The Sons of the American Revolution Ozark Mountain Chapter is hosting a Memorial Day ceremony at the National Cemetery. The event will feature groups with marching flags, like the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution and Republic High School JROTC and live music by the 135th Army Brass Band. Retired Army Colonel James Robinette will provide a few words. Folks are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
Missouri Veterans Cemetery's Memorial Day ceremony
When: 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 27
Where: Missouri Veterans Cemetery at 5201 S. Southwood Road
The Memorial Day ceremony at Springfield's Missouri Veterans Cemetery will feature remarks from Missouri Veterans Commission Director Col. Paul Kirchhoff.
Parking will be available at The Springs Church, located at 5500 S. Southwood Road. Shuttle services will provide folks with rides to and from the cemetery between 12:45-3:15 p.m.. Disabled parking will be available at the cemetery. Limited seating will be available, so folks are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. She has more than five years of journalism experience covering everything from Ozarks history to Springfield’s LGBTQIA+ community. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at gcross@news-leader.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: 7 Memorial Day weekend events scheduled around Springfield
