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While Memorial Weekend typically kicks off summer in the United States, it seems to always feel like summer in Los Angeles! Maybe Angelenos just tend to act like its summertime all year round.  Regardless, there’s always great events in Southern California during Memorial Weekend.

There are festivals and parties to celebrate the un-official start of summer and most importantly, there are events to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the United States of America. Here are some events going on in Southern California..

 

 

Events to Honor The Fallen Soldier

 

 

Green Hills Memorial Park’s 28th Annual Memorial Day Observance – Southern California’s largnest annual Memorial Day observance.  Will begin at 10am, for a 2 hour event. Keynote Speaker will be Amry Sgt. 1st Class Dana Bowman, former member of The Army’s elite parachute team, the Golden Knights.

El Monte’s Memorial Day Ceremony – Located at Tony Arceo Memorial Park, starting at 9am.  Keynote speaker will be Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Gomez. There’ll be a tribute to Prisoners Of War and those Missing In Action.

Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade – Starting at 11am, at Owensmouth Avenue and Sherman Way. The parade’s theme is “Saluting the Price of Freedom”.  Will include military marching units, bands, floats and classic cars.

USS Iowa – More than 600 World war II veterans will aboard the USS Iowa, which is docked in San Pedro, from 9am til 3pm. Will be the start of the seven stop “Spirit of ’45” tour to promote a documentary about Americans who fought in World War II.

Dodger Stadium – Los Angeles Dodgers will honor Memorial Day with Military Appreciation Day during their inter-league game against the Atlanta Braves, starts at 5:10pm.

**All the above events will be held on Monday, May 25, 2015.

 

 

Festivals & Events to Kick off Summer

 

 

Fiesta Hermosa –  A semi-annual festival, known to be the largest arts and crafts fair in Southern California.  Featuring over 100 artists and crafters.  Food, live music and beer & wine garden are  available. May 23-25,10am-6pm.  Hermosa Ave, between 10th and 14th Street, Hermosa Beach.

ShipKicker Country Music Fest at Queen Mary – Country music stars, Dustin Lynch, Panshop Cowboys, Parmalee, Justin Lee, Scotty Mac Band, Parmalee and more, will perform. Nearly 10 hours of live music, with food, beer garden cocktails, bucking bull ride and more.  1-11pm $35-$65 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach. May 23-24

Valley Greek Festival – Wonderful Greek cuisine, pastries, wine and beer, at this popular Southern California festival. Also, dancing, cooking demonstrations, shopping from Greece. 1pm-9pm. Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 9501 Balboa Blvd. Northridge. May 23-25

The Brig’s Crawfest – Outdoor crawfish cooking festival. Dine on 600 lbs of AYCE crawfish, adnouille sausage, jambalaya and drinks.  Admission is $45 advance, $55 at the door, $65 VIP, swag bag included.  May 24, 11am-6pm, 1515 Abbott Kinney Blvd, Venice.