Cities & Towns

What to Do on Memorial Day in Northeast Ohio

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Memorial Day has come to be known as the kick-off to the summer season, a day away from work and school, one filled with cook-offs, concerts, and festivals. However, Memorial Day was created for a more solemn purpose.

Originally called "Decoration Day," Memorial Day was created in 1865 to honor the men and women who died during the Civil War. After World War I, the purpose was expanded to include all American war casualties.

There are numerous activities in and around Cleveland this Memorial Day Weekend. Below are just a few:

1. Great American Rib Cook-off and Music Festival

Great American Rib Cook-off and Music Festival in Cleveland Ohio

The Great American Rib Cook-off and Music Festival, held each Memorial Day weekend in downtown Cleveland at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica, is the unofficial start to the Northeast Ohio summer season.

The event, begun in 1992, features live music (included in the admission price); BBQ'd ribs with all of the fixings; and lots of fun. The 2012 dates are May 25-28.

Admission is $5 for adults (with an online coupon) and free for children under 12.

2. Greek Heritage Festival

Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation

A Memorial Day tradition in Cleveland, the Greek Festival at Tremont's Church of the Annunciation, just south of downtown, transforms the quiet church into a Greek taverna. The ladies of the church dish out more than 30,000 meals, including moussaka, Greek meatballs, and rosemary-grilled chicken. And, of course, there's baklava and other Greek pastries.

The younger members of the church dress in traditional garb and perform the historic dances of the old country. You'll also find a bazaar with Greek jewelry and other treasures as well as an outside beer garden with live music.

Hours are Friday through Sunday from noon to midnight and Monday from noon to 9pm. Admission is free.

3. Chagrin Falls Blossom Time Festival

Chagrin Falls celebrates Memorial Day weekend each year with the Blossom Time Festival. Activities include a Memorial Day parade, carnival rides, a hot air balloon competition, lots of fair food, and more. The rides are located at Riverside Park and the parade steps off from there are 2pm on Sunday.

4. Memorial Day Ceremony at the Garfield Monument

Each year, Lake View Cemetery hosts a Memorial Day ceremony on the steps of the Garfield Monument. The event begins Monday at 1030am with a veteran's program and speaker and is followed by a spirited patriotic band concert. The public is invited to picnic on the lawn of the monument following the concert. Admission is free.

5. Berea Rib Cook-off

The Berea Rib Cook-off is May 25-28 (2012) at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Berea. The event features ribs and all of the fixings, live entertainment, kids activities, and more. Scheduled to perform are Cleveland Breakfast Club and Lawless.

Doors are open Friday from noon to 11pm, Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 11pm, and Monday from 11am to 9pm. Admission is free for all on Friday and $5 for adults on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday; children 12 and under are free; free parking.

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6. Cleveland Indians Baseball

The Cleveland Indians are playing at away most of the weekend, but they return to Progressive Field on Monday, May 28 when they face the Kansas City Royals at 405pm.

7. Port Clinton Walleye Festival

The annual Port Clinton Walleye Festival runs from Friday evening through Monday. Festivities include live entertainment, a petting zoo, carnival rides and more than 100 food and merchandise vendors. The festival is located along Perry Street, in the heart of downtown Port Clinton.

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8. White House Antique Show

The 27th annual White House Antiques Show sets up Monday at Hawken School (12465 County Line Rd, Chester Township.) The show draws quality antique dealers from around the United States and features 18th-20th century European and American furniture, silver, clocks, paintings, quilts, jewelry, china, glassware and more. The preview runs from 9am -10am and includes breakfast. Cost for the preview is $35. The regular admission, which starts at 10am and runs to 4pm, is $10.

9. Bay Village Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade

In Bay Village, the Memorial Day remembrance begins on Monday with a parade at Huntington Park at 845am, followed by a ceremony at Cahoon Park at 945am.

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