News Summary
The Tri-Cities area is preparing for a festive Memorial Day weekend filled with activities such as festivals, block parties, and parades to honor fallen heroes. Key events include live music, food trucks, and numerous ceremonies. With significant travel expected, residents should be aware of rising gas prices and potential traffic delays due to ongoing construction. Local organizations are also providing support through giveaways and food assistance, ensuring a spirited and community-focused holiday weekend.
Tri-Cities, Tenn./Va. – A variety of events and activities are set to take place over the Memorial Day weekend from May 23 to May 26, 2025, in the Tri-Cities area. The activities include festivals, block parties, and parades as local residents prepare to commemorate fallen heroes while also enjoying the start of the summer season. With over 39 million Americans expected to travel during this holiday period, area traffic and gas prices will also be on the rise, presenting unique challenges for travelers.
The centerpiece of the weekend’s festivities will be the annual event featuring truck displays, live music, fireworks, and vendors, with proceeds benefitting the Susan G. Komen Foundation and Speedway Children’s Charities. Sam Lewis will perform live, and food truck Gumpy’s Dawgs will serve 100% Angus beef hot dogs at the event, ensuring attendees have a delicious dining option.
A free block party organized by local non-profit 4Thirteen will include kickball games, shirt painting activities, and a free movie showing. Families attending the block party will have the chance to win one of 40 bicycles being given away to children of all ages, while Second Harvest will provide food boxes to families in need.
The weekend will also feature Plumb Alley Day, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Abingdon, which is their largest fundraiser, boasting over 150 vendors offering crafts, antiques, art, clothing, and jewelry. Additionally, a dedication ceremony for the Gray Eagle Drone will take place at VFW Post 2166, followed by refreshments for attendees.
Multiple Memorial Day ceremonies are scheduled, including the Marion Memorial Day Parade and the Elizabethton Memorial Day Ceremony. The Sullivan County Veterans Memorial Day Event is also on the agenda, along with a Memorial Day ceremony hosted by Pasco at City View Cemetery on May 26, starting at 11 a.m.
At Sunset Gardens cemetery, activities will take place on Sunday and Monday, including free hot dogs served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday and a ceremony on Monday featuring guest speaker U.S. Navy Captain Aaron Pickett. Over 1,100 American flags will be displayed, with additional activities from noon to 2 p.m. including live music and face painting. A skydiver will also land with a large American flag as part of the festivities.
VFW Post 5785 will lead Memorial Day services at two cemeteries in Kennewick on Monday. A 9 a.m. service is set for Riverview Heights Cemetery, followed by an 11 a.m. service at Desert Lawn Memorial Park.
Travel trends indicate that gas prices in the Tri-Cities are currently averaging $4.12 per gallon, having risen by 9 cents from the previous week, but remaining lower than the $4.43 average recorded last year. Washington state continues to contend with high gas prices, averaging at $4.38, ranking among the top three highest in the U.S. However, Benton County has one of the lowest gas prices in the state, at $4.09 per gallon.
According to forecasts by AAA, over 39 million Americans are expected to travel during Memorial Day weekend, representing an increase from the previous year. A record-breaking total of 45 million Americans are anticipated to travel at least 50 miles from home during this holiday period.
Traffic delays are already anticipated in Richland due to ongoing road construction, affecting access to Columbia Playfields where WIAA state fastpitch softball playoffs are being held. Travelers are advised to avoid construction zones and seek alternative routes for better access. Ongoing construction on the Columbia River Bridge is also causing potential delays as part of a $21 million preservation project that aims to enhance bridge repairs and maintenance.
Overall, the Tri-Cities area is gearing up for a vibrant Memorial Day weekend filled with celebration and remembrance, alongside challenges posed by rising travel demands and construction-related delays.
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Additional Resources
- News Source: WJHL
- Wikipedia: Memorial Day
- News Source: Tri-City Herald
- Google Search: Tri-Cities Memorial Day events
- News Source: Tri-City Record
- Google Scholar: Tri-Cities Memorial Day
- News Source: Fox 41 Yakima
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memorial Day
- News Source: Tri-Cities Business News
- Google News: Gas prices Memorial Day
