During Memorial Day weekend, Lane County residents can attend a plethora of events to honor those who served in the U.S. military or enjoy a long weekend with their families.
Memorial Day, which honors those who died while serving in the U.S. military, is celebrated on the last Monday in May and falls on May 27, 2024.
In memory of those who passed away over Memorial Day weekend
Memorial Day weekend at the Eugene Masonic Cemetery
This weekend, flags will fly on headstones at the Eugene Masonic Cemetery to remember those who died during the service. Hope Abbey Mausoleum will have coffee and cakes from 11am to 5pm and cemetery tours starting at 12.30pm. A history hunt will also be offered from 1 to 4 p.m., with prizes available. Every day at 12:15 PM, a live performance of “Taps” is played in the public square.
The Riverside Chamber Orchestra will perform a free concert in Public Square on Sunday at 6 p.m.
When: The doors open at 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 26 and Monday, May 27Where: Eugene Masonic Cemetery at East 25th Avenmue and University Street, EugeneMore information: www.facebook.com/emca1859
Memorial Day service at Eugene Pioneer Cemetery
Eugene Pioneer Cemetery hosts its annual Memorial Day service. In 2023, more than 300 people attended the event. The service, hosted by Eugene American Legion Post #3, will include members of the Sons of Union Veterans dressed in Civil War military uniforms, a three-volley “Black Powder Salute” in honor of all veterans resting in our cemetery and patriotic performances from Shasta Middle School band and choir.
At the Pioneer Cemetery, 10% of the graves are those of veterans, including 145 Civil War veterans. The heart of the cemetery is the Grand Army of the Republic, which houses 51 Civil War veterans.
When: Monday May 27 at 11amWhere: Eugene Pioneer Cemetery at 1001 E. 18th Ave., EugeneMore information: eugenepioneercemetery.org
In honor of Trinity Reinhart
The City of Springfield, along with Willamalane and the American Legion Post #40, will honor Airman Trinity Reinhart, who was from Springfield. On September 16, 2023, 19-year-old Reinhart died in a Humvee accident while serving at a U.S. Air Force base in northeastern Colorado.
Community members are invited to honor Reinhart at this event, which will include an F-15 flyover of Kinsley Field, a plaque dedication and tree planting near the Women Veterans Memorial at Springfield Veterans Plaza.
When: Monday May 27 at 10amWhere: Springfield Veterans Plaza in Willamalane Park at 1276 G St., SpringfieldMore information: springfield-or.gov/springfield-to-honor-airman-reinhart-in-memorial-day-event
Memorial Day service and dedication at Springfield Memorial Gardens
Springfield Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home will hold a Memorial Day service, including a dedication of the Court of Honor Veterans Memorial.
When: Monday May 27 at 11amWhere: Springfield Memorial Gardens at 7305 Main St., Springfield
Miles on Memorial in Alton Baker Park
For those looking to get out in the spring weather, the Miles on Memorial Run at Alton Baker Park is back. Runners can register individually or as a relay team for 15K, 10K or 5K races. Prizes will be awarded to the top male and female finishers, to the top three in each age group in each race and to the top relay team in each division. The divisions of relay teams include open teams, armed forces teams, companies, middle schools and high schools.
All events have a chip time with a common start/finish.
Registration costs $30 per person for individual races or $80 per relay team.
When: Monday, May 27 at 9 a.m. Package pickup is from 7 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.Where: Alton Baker Park at 200 Day Island Road, EugeneMore information: eclecticedgeracing.com/miles-on-memorial
Family-friendly things to do in Eugene during Memorial Day weekend
Eugene Tea Festival
The second annual Eugene Tea Festival takes place downtown on Sunday, featuring all things tea. The festival will feature local vendors offering more than 45 different tea brands, food carts, tea sets and art. There are also free tea tastings and educational workshops.
This year the festival offers inclusive admission, so people can attend the festival for free. For those who would like to support the festival, a commemorative cup is available through general admission for $10.
When: Sunday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.mWhere: Farmers Market Pavilion at 85 E Eighth Ave., EugeneMore information and registration: www.eugeneteafest.org
Eugene Scottish Festival
The 22nd annual Eugene Scottish Festival comes to Eugene with live music, dancing, food, drinks, cultural lessons and a dog parade. This cultural event invites all ages, with horse-drawn carriage rides and other engaging activities for children.
Adult tickets for the festival cost $7, senior tickets for ages 60 and older cost $5, and children 12 and under are admitted free. Group family tickets for up to six people are $20.
When: Saturday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.mWhere: Irving Grange at 1011 Irvington Drive, EugeneMore information: eugenescottishfestival.org
Willamalane spring marketplace
Explore the annual Spring Marketplace hosted by the Willamalane Park and Recreation District. The market will offer food and a range of locally crafted goods to kick off spring.
When: Friday, May 24 from 12:00 noon to 6:00 PM and Saturday, May 25 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PMWhere: Bob Keefer Center for Sports and Recreation at 250 S 32nd St., SpringfieldMore information: willamalane.org/activities/spring-marketplace
Ridgeline Hike
The Ridgeline Ramble is back for its annual trail run along the Ridgeline Trail in South Eugene, hosted by Level 32 Racing. There are 10K and 20K races, both starting at Blanton Trailhead and ending at Frank Kinney Park.
Registration for the 20K costs $45 for adults and $40 for children under 18 or seniors over 60. Registration for the 10K costs $35 for adults and $30 for children or seniors. Package pickup will take place at Frank Kinney Park from 6:30 a.m. to 8 a.m.
When: Saturday, May 25 at 8:00 amWhere: Ridgeline Trail Blanton Trailhead at 3962-3998 Blanton Road, EugeneMore information and registration: level32racing.com/ridgeline-ramble
Miranda Cyr covers education for The Register-Guard. You can contact her at mcyr@registerguard.com or find her on Twitter @mirandabcyr.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: 9 Things to Do in Lane County on Memorial Day Weekend 2024
