Memorial Day 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina, offered a variety of free events and special deals to honor the holiday. While many government offices and services were closed on Monday, May 28, various businesses and organizations provided opportunities for the public to participate in ceremonies, enjoy entertainment, and access discounts. The following is a comprehensive overview of the free activities and offers available during that period, based on contemporary reports.
Memorial Day Closures and Services
In observance of the holiday, several local government offices and services in Mecklenburg County were closed on Monday, May 28, 2018. Residents could expect closures at the following locations: - Schools - Federal Government Offices - State Government Offices - Local Government Offices - Post Office - Banks
Specifically, Mecklenburg County government offices and agencies were closed. The Department of Social Services was also closed; however, their hotlines operated 24/7 to receive reports of suspected abuse or neglect. The hotline for reporting abuse of seniors or the disabled was 704-336-CARE (2273).
Ceremonies and Community Events
Several free events were held across the Charlotte area to honor fallen service members. These ceremonies provided residents with opportunities to pay their respects.
Mooresville
A Memorial Day ceremony took place at the Field of Flags off Joe Knox Road at 10 a.m. Volunteers had placed 500 flags, each bearing the name of a fallen soldier or first responder. The ceremony lasted for one hour and was open to the public.
Charlotte
Sharon Memorial Park hosted its annual Memorial Day service at 10 a.m. This event was free and open to anyone wishing to attend.
Huntersville
A service was held at Veterans Park at 11 a.m., offering another venue for the community to gather and remember.
U.S. National Whitewater Center
The U.S. National Whitewater Center hosted its annual Memorial Day celebration. The festivities kicked off with a Memorial Day Trail Race at 9 a.m., followed by yoga sessions, performances, and fireworks.
Entertainment and Festivals
Beyond solemn ceremonies, the weekend featured several entertainment options, many of which were free to attend.
Circle K Speed Street
In Uptown Charlotte, the Circle K Speed Street festival combined music and NASCAR. This annual event took over the streets, offering a schedule of performances for the public.
Outdoor Concerts
A wide list of outdoor concerts was available throughout the Charlotte region, with the majority being free to attend.
Boileryard Brunch at Camp North End
On Sunday, May 27, 2018, Camp North End hosted the Boileryard Brunch from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event featured a DJ, live music, photo booths, living paintings, and food and drink options. Attendance was free.
Freaquency Family Reunion
The Freaquency Family Reunion was a free event held on Saturday, May 26, 2018, from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Starlight on 22nd (422 E 22nd Street). Described as an event where "everyone that shows up is family," it offered family reunion-style fun including line dancing, Spades, Uno, hula hoops, and board games. While admission was free, a fish plate could be purchased for $10.
Retail and Service Freebies and Discounts
Various retailers and service providers offered free products or discounts, particularly for military members and veterans.
Ace Hardware
Ace Hardware participated in a nationwide promotion by giving away 1 million American flags for Memorial Day on Saturday, May 26, 2018. These were 8"x12" stick flags suitable for placing on graves, fields, or gardens as a tribute. No purchase was required, and the giveaway was while supplies lasted.
Keith Clinic
Keith Clinic Estramonte Chiropractic provided free food on Memorial Day. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or until supplies ran out) at their location at 4016 Triangle Drive, Charlotte, NC, they offered free Double Bacon Cheeseburgers, chips, and cookies.
Carowinds
Carowinds offered free admission to U.S. military members and veterans during Memorial Day weekend (May 26-28, 2018). Active, inactive, or retired members of the United States military received free park admission with a valid military ID.
Other Military Discounts
In addition to Carowinds, several other national brands offered discounts to military personnel during the Memorial Day period in 2018. These included: - 2(X)ist: 25% off plus $10 off every $100 spent online (May 23-28). - A.C. Moore: 15% off for U.S. service members and veterans (every day). - Amtrak: 10% off with valid military ID (every day). - Bass Pro Shops/Cabela's: 5% off with valid military ID (every day). - Calvin Klein: 40% off website (May 23-28). - Dell: 15% off PCs and electronics with coupon (May 23-31). - Foot Locker: 20% off online (May 23-28). - J.C. Penney: Free 8x10 print with valid military ID (coupon expires June 20). - King's Dominion: Free park admission for military members (May 26-28). - Lowe's: 10% off with valid military ID (every day). - Michael's: 15% off with valid military ID (every day). - REI: 20% off one full-priced item and 20% off one REI Outlet item (May 23-28).
Swimming and Outdoor Activities
Many area pools and spraygrounds opened for the weekend, providing free or low-cost options for families to swim and splash. Details on specific locations, including lakes and quarries, were available for those looking to cool off.
Conclusion
Memorial Day 2018 in Charlotte provided a balance of commemorative services and recreational opportunities. From free flag giveaways and military admission to parks, to free community events like the Freaquency Family Reunion and Boileryard Brunch, residents had numerous ways to engage with the holiday. While essential government services paused for the day, the community offered a robust schedule of accessible activities to honor the fallen and celebrate the unofficial start of summer.