This year’s familiar traditions will include parades and speeches all over the state 

By Hannah Labbe, STAFF WRITER

May 27, 2024

SANFORD, Maine – Sanford’s citizens look forward to the Memorial Day events our city has to offer, to shed light upon and honor those who lost their lives fighting for our nation.

Memorial Day was first celebrated on May 30, 1868 to recognize those who had fallen during the Civil War. The customs have continued for many years, and the recognition has grown stronger across Maine. 

Sanford will host its annual Memorial Day Parade down Main Street at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 27. The parade will start at Gowen Park Drive and end at Central Park. This march has been in Sanford’s heritage for many years, and it’s valued by many local folks. There will be a ceremony at Central Park after the parade at 11 a.m. to honor those in Sanford who have served our country. 

There will also be a Ceremony at the Southern Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery starting at 1 p.m. on Monday. The St. Thomas School Choir will be performing the National Anthem, continuing their tradition from many years ago. All are welcome at this event to remember those who lost their lives fighting for their nation, and to visit the graves of those they may have known.

If you’re looking for a weekend of karaoke, dancing and showing off your other talents, celebrating Memorial Day on Main St. in Ogunquit is the perfect place! Karaoke will be hosted by The Fabulous Joanna, and this event lasts Friday, Saturday and Sunday. More details on the event is available here.    

In Bridgton on Saturday, May 25 from 6-9 p.m., 12/OC and Chase Jobe and the Runnin’ Kind will perform right on 144 Main St. Doors to the event open at 5 p.m. and an plentiful array of food trucks will be there to satisfy any cravings. 12/OC is a country trio based out of Maine made of two brothers and their friend. They’ve been successful since they released their most popular song, “Forever Bound.” Chase Jobe and the Runnin’ Kind is another country band who’s ready to rock the stage on Saturday! Further information is accessible here. 

If you feel like traveling on this busy vacation, the Naples Lions Club is hosting their annual veteran’s cruise on Monday, May 27 at Long Lake. The Songo River Queen II will be boarding passengers starting at 3 p.m. and leaving at 4 p.m., to return around 5:30 p.m. The docking site is located at 841 Roosevelt Trail, and military and their immediate families board for free! Same-day tickets may be available at the dock, but ordering them ahead of time is recommended. Tickets and other news can be found here. 

Our beautiful state offers so many opportunities over this weekend to meet new people and honor those who fell serving.