Memorial Day Events in Sonoma County

MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCES:

Santa Rosa

Memorial Day commemorates those Americans who have died in military service to our country. In Santa Rosa, this day is observed at the Santa Rosa Memorial Park at 1900 Franklin Ave. .

This year (2008), beginning at 10 am on Monday, there will be:
Marine Corps League honor guard, music by the Redwood Chordsmen, rifle salute, speaker Col. L. “Pete” Peterka, ret. U.S. Army, and a “Remember Me” display to honor Wes Pennewell, American Legion Post 21, Marine Corps League Detachment 686, Vietnam Veterans of America.

Also at the memorial park, there will be an “All-American Fare” hot dog sale and a food drive to benefit Redwood Empire Food Bank. For more information call 542-1580.

Next door at the Historic Rural Cemetery (at Franklin Avenue and Monroe Streets), starting at 9 a.m. on Monday, the Beyond the New Horizons Band will lead a sing-a-long of patriotic and vintage tunes. Plus “President Lincoln” will commemorate the 145th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. Pie and milk, rose cuttings, flags and books for sale, 1 to 3 p.m.

The cemetery will open for vehicle access from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday, except during Monday’s program. Veterans’ graves will be decorated with flags. 573-0103.

A Pre-Memorial Day Breakfast will be held Sunday Morning, May 25, at the Santa Rosa Veteran Memorial Building, 1351 Maple Ave. Eggs, sausage, pancakes, biscuits, juice and coffee will be served from 8 to 11 a.m. at a cost of $6 per person.

Sonoma County

For more 2008 Memorial Day Observances throughout Sonoma County, see the article in the Press Democrat.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND MARKS THE START OF SUMMERTIME

In Sonoma County, Memorial Day means the beginning of summertime swimming at Spring Lake lagoon in Santa Rosa and at Healdsburg Memorial Beach. Both swimming locations open Memorial Day Weekend and close Labor Day. And, lately, Memorial Day weekend is also becoming known as the time of year when the Sonoma Jazz+ Festival takes place. The four day celebration of world class music, food, and wine is held in the town of Sonoma.

Spring Lake Swimming Lagoon

The 3-acre swimming lagoon, which is located in the 320-acre Spring Lake Regional Park, is staffed by lifeguards and is surrounded by a sandy beach. There’s also a concession stand, showers, bathrooms, picnic tables and barbeques. The lagoon itself is huge and wonderful for swimming laps because it rarely gets crowded in the middle. The rest of the area gets packed with people on the weekends. The kids love it, but, leave Fido at home. Dogs are not allowed in the swimming area except for by the path between the lagoon and Spring Lake.

Spring Lake, which is right next to the swimming lagoon, is a nice place to go boating, windsurfing, canoeing and fishing. Paddle boats are available for rent.

Open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.

Parking fee is $6 per vehicle. Camping is available.

Spring Lake Regional Park is located at 391 Violetti Drive, off Montgomery Dr., between Annadel State Park and Howarth Park. (Map)

For additional information call (707) 539-8092

Healdsburg Memorial Beach

The public swim area is located on the Russian River. Lifeguards are on duty daily during the summer. This beach offers picnic facilities, restrooms and a beach wheelchair is available upon request. Visitors planning to use the beach should call (707) 433-1625 to verify that it is open. No alcohol is allowed in the park. Dogs are not allowed on the beach or in the river at the park, but they are allowed in the rest of the park as long as they are on a 6-foot leash at all times.

Arrive early to get a parking spot ($6 per vehicle). Otherwise, off-street parking is available nearby.

Open Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.

Healdsburg Memorial Beach is located at 13839 Old Redwood Highway in Healdsburg. Map.

For additional information call (707) 433-1625.

Close by on Memorial Day Weekend: The Healdsburg Memorial Day Weekend Antique Fair takes place each year at the Healdsburg Plaza. Map; 9am to 5pm; Free admission; (707) 433-4315

Sonoma Jazz + Festival

A Memorial Day Weekend celebration of world class music, food, and wine in California wine country. This is a “sister festival” of the prestigious Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival. But, the inclusion of wine country’s most celebrated chefs and vintners helps set Sonoma Jazz + apart from all other festivals in the US. The event features evening concerts in a 3000+ seat tent at the Field of Dreams, just a couple of blocks from the Sonoma Plaza.

For additional information call (866) 468-8355