It’s the first time that organizers have put together FreedomFest 2009, so no telling how good it will be, but the price is right and the occasion — Memorial Day — makes FreedomFest 2009 worth checking out. The organizers, the Friends of the Riverwalk, makes use of the southern stretch of the walkway along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa to stage a patriotic community festival featuring “live music, strolling entertainment, patriotic family activities, historical tours and a host of culinary delights.” A small stage will be set up at the Tampa Convention Center, with the main stage located at the west end of Cotanchobee Park. On Memorial Day at 10 a.m., Mayor Pam Iorio joins Col. Lawrence Martin, Sixth Air Mobility Wing Commander at MacDill Air Force Base, and Friends of the Riverwalk Chairman Dan Mahurin as they recognize the sacrifices made by those who protect the United States. Be sure to wear your red, white and blue. May 23-25, Sat.-Mon., times vary day today, Tampa Downtown RiverWal, from the Tampa Convention Center to Florida Aquarium, Thetampariverwalk.com. (Wayne Garcia)
Curlew Hills Memory Gardens holds its 24th annual Memorial Day Service, which includes speeches by Congressman Gus Bilirakis; Colonel Jerry Custin, USAF, Ret.; Rev. Canon Richard C. Doscher, Sr. of St. Alfred’s Episcopal Church, and more. Local boy and girl scouts place flags on the veterans' graves, and assembly singers perform "You're A Grand Old Flag," "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America." 9:30 a.m. Mon., May 25, Curlew Hills Memory Garden, 1750 Curlew Rd., Palm Harbor, free, 727-789-2000, curlewhills.com.
This article appears in May 20-26, 2009.