The last Monday in May is the traditional start of summer.

Lots of folks will be cooking up burgers or steaks on the grill. You might be planning to relax by the pool or running off for a weekend getaway. For many of us, that's what Memorial Day is all about.

But it is also a day to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. To those great souls and their families left behind, we say a heartfelt "thank you"!

While you are out enjoying your time this weekend, please take a few minutes to remember the family, friends, and even strangers that sacrifice all to provide us with the freedoms and the life we have.

Here's my list of the top five things to do this Memorial Day around Shreveport-Bossier!

Patriotic Events

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The 38th Annual Memorial Day service at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Haughton gets underway at 9 am Monday.Representatives of area veterans and fraternal organizations and active duty, guard and reserve units as well as area junior R-O-T-C’s will lay wreaths. The guest speaker is retired Lt. Colonel George Finck, a retired Air Force Commander and combat pilot.

The Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery near Keithville will have guest speaker Lt. General Stephen Wilson who is the Commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command at Barksdale Air Force Base. There will also be a dedication of the Battlefield Cross at the cemetary. The event begins at noon and is open to the public.

The traditional close of area activities is the “casting the wreath upon the waters” observance by Fleet Reserve Association Branch 98 at 2 pm at the American Legion Lowe-McFarlane Post 14, on South Lake Shore Drive, on the south shore of Cross Lake. The service will also include the tolling of bells and the reading of the names of lost shipmates.

The Disabled American Veterans and Louisiana Disabled Veterans will hold a traditional service at 9:00 Thursday in the veterans section of Greenwood Cemetery on Stoner Avenue. That service will include the laying of wreaths and honors for the servicemen and woman buried there.

Splash Kingdom
Courtesy of Splash Kingdom
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Memorial Day is traditionally the time when the slides and pools re-open for the season. And with our weather, the kids love a little splash time! The five SPAR pools don't open to the public until June 2nd, but the spray parks are open and Splash Kingdom Watertown is open. 

Mudbug Madness

All things crawfish and Mudbug Madness
All things crawfish and Mudbug Madness
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This is my favorite festival in Shreveport Bossier. You will find some of the best food in the state right here at this event, not to mention the vast amount of Crawfish! Mudbug Madness is now listed in the “Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events” list. The fun kicks off with the opening ceremonies Thursday night at 7:15 and the event wraps up Sunday night.

Fleur de Lis Craft Show

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If you want a short road trip, think about making the short drive to Natchitoches for the Fleur de Lis Memorial Day weekend craft show. On Saturday, there will be over 100 booths set up with jewelry, stained glass, art, candy, and more for your shopping pleasure.

First Annual Fallen Officers Memorial Bass Tournament

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250 Red River South Marina Rd, Bossier City, LA

Thursday, May 21 - Sunday,  May 24.

The C.O.P.S inaugural event will benefit the Louisiana Chapter of C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors), a non-profit fundraising organization created to assist family members of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Spectators are admitted free.

Two Man Team - $200.00 Entry Fee 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM

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