Top Five Things to Do on Memorial Day In Lafayette – Bruce’s Picks

The Memorial Day weekend has had a traditional connection with automobile racing in America. Did you know that this weekend marks the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500? Participants spend the entire month of May in Speedway Indiana, a suburb of Indianapolis, fine tuning their racing machines to reach over 220 MPH. Meanwhile the southern equivalent of Indy is held Memorial Day Weekend in Charlotte North Carolina. The Coca Cola 600, formerly the World 600 is NASCAR’s longest race. The event will start in full daylight and end under the lights. The combination of a lot of laps and the changing track conditions make the “600” one of the toughest races to win. So what will I be doing for almost 12 straight hours of high speeds and left turns? I will be running back and forth between the grill on the patio, the ice chest next to the back door and teaching my oldest how to hand crank homemade ice cream. If you can find a better Memorial Day gathering than my house I’d love to hear about it.

Saturday, May 28th 8:00pm

This Saturday night at Lafayette Regional airport at approximately 8pm, the final flight of Louisiana Honor air will touch down to the sounds of patriotic music and cheering crowds. Here is the story of Louisiana Honor Air. World War II ended in 1945, weary American soldiers returned home from Europe and the Pacific and very quietly transformed this great nation in the superpower of the world. For some reason the memorial to their sacrifice wasn’t built and dedicated until 2004, almost 60 years after the war had ended, meaning for many of those who served the chance to see their memorial would be compromised by age or failing health. Enter Louisiana Honor Air, an idea that was born inside the control room of 97.3 The Dawg. The idea, charter an aircraft and take World War II veterans on a day trip to see their memorial. The trips were to be totally funded by donations and proud Americans in South Louisiana have stepped up to provide the money to send veterans and their guardians to Washington D.C. This Saturday will mark the end of these historic flights. What a great way to celebrate America and the freedoms that these men and women fought to defend than by being in the crowd at the Lafayette Airport. Airport officials have waived all parking fees and you and your children are cordially invited to welcome this brave and unselfish Americans home and to say thank you for a debt that can never be repaid.

Saturday, May 28th. Live music starts at 5:00pm

There are three things people in Acadiana can count on when the end of May rolls around. Kids will be graduating and finishing up the school year, the weather will be getting hot and the CajunHeartland State Fair will provide music, rides and lots of fun for kids of all ages. This year the Cajun Heartland State fair will feature another tremendous selection of great live music all free of charge. Live performances include Jamie Bergeron and the Kickin Cajuns, Lafayette’s Bayou Boys and Blaine Roy and Second Wind. You can also expect to see and hear Wayne Toups and Zydecajun, Jaryd Lane and Nick Myers all great bands with tremendous local followings. There are also great ride specials that make the fair even more affordable for families on a budget! We’ve got your complete schedule of events right here. Whether you’re out for a night of dancing under the stars or you’re a thrill seeker that loves the rides or maybe you’re that person that has figured out how to win the big prizes along the midway you can count on the Cajun Heartland State Fair to deliver. Geaux Geaux Fun Fun. The Cajun Heartland State Fair at the Cajundome now through June the 4th.

Monday, May 30th 3:00pm

The solemn sound of TAPS will echo once again through a field of stone. Stoic veterans will fight back tears as they remember those that paid the ultimate sacrifice for this country. The American flag will be lowered to half-staff and rifles will fire 21 times. This is Memorial Day and why we remember those men and women who have lost their lives in defense of our freedoms and ideals. Lafayette Memorial Park Cemetery will again host a special Memorial Day Service on Monday at 3 pm. Veterans of all branches of the military as well as family members of those lost in battle are invited to attend this moving tribute to lives lost in service to America. Lafayette Memorial Park is located at 2111 Pinhook Road and the ceremony is scheduled to start at 3pm. If you would like more information please call 337-235-3062. Honor those who gave all so that you and I might celebrate our most prized possession, freedom, this Memorial Day.

Sunday, May 29th 3:30pm

If you're looking some wonderful patriotic music to set the mood for Memorial Day weekend, be sure to check out the Lafayette Concert Band's 'Songs of Remembrance' performance at Angelle Hall. This has become one of the organizations most popular concerts. Join Lafayette Concert Band in remembering those American heroes who have given their lives in the defense of freedom and liberty. This concert is our gift to the community and is free to the public.