Memorial Day weekend in Reno, Nevada, offers a variety of community events, ceremonies, and activities designed to honor veterans and provide recreational opportunities for local residents. Based on information available regarding Memorial Day 2017, the region hosted several specific events ranging from parades and car shows to commemorative ceremonies and sporting events. While the provided documentation details specific events for the current year, the following summary outlines the types of activities and free offerings typically available in the Reno-Tahoe area during the Memorial Day period.
Community Events and Ceremonies
Memorial Day in the Reno area is traditionally marked by community gatherings and solemn remembrance events. These events are often organized by local government bodies, veterans' organizations, and community groups.
Virginia City Celebration of Heroes A notable event in the region is the Virginia City Celebration of Heroes Memorial Day Parade. This event typically takes place at noon on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. The parade proceeds down C Street, which serves as the main thoroughfare in Virginia City. These parades are designed to honor military service members and provide a community-focused celebration.
Memorial Day Ceremony at Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery The Nevada Department of Veterans Services hosts an official Memorial Day ceremony at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery located in Fernley. In recent years, this ceremony has featured a keynote speaker, such as Kevin Tokarski, Associate Administrator for Strategic Sealift at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Maritime Administration. The ceremony is generally held at 11:00 a.m. on Memorial Day itself (Monday) at the cemetery's location on Veterans Way.
South Lake Tahoe Memorial Day Ceremony Residents of the South Lake Tahoe area participate in an annual remembrance event hosted by the American Legion Post 795 and their Ladies Auxiliary. This ceremony typically takes place at 11:00 a.m. on Memorial Day at the Happy Homestead Cemetery.
Honor Flight Nevada Pancake Breakfast To support veterans, Honor Flight Nevada has historically hosted an annual Pancake Breakfast for Veterans on Memorial Day. This event is often held at the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa on South Virginia Street, generally from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 29.
Recreational Activities and Car Shows
Beyond formal ceremonies, Memorial Day weekend serves as the unofficial start of the summer season, prompting various recreational activities and charity-focused events.
Summer Salute Car Show The Summer Salute Car Show is a significant charity-focused event often held at Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno. This event typically occurs on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. It is geared toward benefiting veterans and features a large turnout, with expectations for over 500 cars and 1,000 participants. It is recognized as one of the largest car shows in northern Nevada.
Stars and Stripes Honor March A 5K walk known as the Stars and Stripes Honor March is organized to honor veterans and raise funds for the Nevada Veterans Memorial Plaza. Participants usually pay an entry fee (e.g., $25) to walk two laps around the Sparks Marina. The event generally begins with registration at 8:00 a.m. and the march at 9:00 a.m., often preceded by a brief ceremony. Participants are encouraged to wear patriotic attire.
Reno Aces Baseball The Reno Aces baseball team typically hosts a four-game homestand during Memorial Day weekend, often playing against the Sacramento River Cats at Greater Nevada Field. These games usually include various promotions, a jersey giveaway, fireworks displays (often after Saturday's game), and a specific Memorial Day celebration on Monday.
Dining and Retail Offers
While the provided sources focus heavily on community events, specific freebies and deals for Memorial Day 2017 in Reno are not detailed in the available text. However, it is common for local and national chains to offer complimentary meals or discounts to veterans and active-duty military members during this holiday. Based on standard industry practices for Memorial Day, consumers might expect:
- Free Meals: Many national restaurant chains (such as Applebee's, Chili's, and Texas Roadhouse) frequently offer free meals to veterans and active-duty personnel on Memorial Day, usually requiring proof of service such as a Military ID or VA benefits card.
- Retail Discounts: Retailers often run sales on summer gear, mattresses, and appliances during the Memorial Day weekend.
Note: The specific details for Memorial Day 2017 deals in Reno were not present in the provided source material. For verified offers, consumers are advised to check directly with restaurant locations and retailers.
Other Regional Activities
The Reno-Tahoe region offers additional recreational opportunities during the holiday weekend, including camping in the Sierra Nevada mountains and train rides, which are popular activities for families taking advantage of the three-day weekend.
Conclusion
Memorial Day weekend in Reno, Nevada, is characterized by a blend of patriotic remembrance and community celebration. Events such as the Virginia City parade, the ceremony at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, and the Summer Salute Car Show provide residents with meaningful ways to honor veterans. While specific retail freebies for the 2017 period were not detailed in the source material, the region's focus remains on community service, veteran support, and the commencement of summer recreational activities.