FunTimes Magazine Culture & Entertainment, Week of May 22, 2023
All weekend, cities and towns across America will be bustling with parades, festivals, fireworks displays, and block parties at parks, recreation centers, neighborhood squares, main streets, military veteran’s posts, and community halls. These types of Memorial Day observances that commemorate fallen United States military personnel in the United States began during the Reconstruction era in the 1860s. America’s first Memorial Day ceremony was held in Philadelphia in 1868. The occasion was called “Decoration Day” before it grew in popularity after World Wars I and II – later becoming an official holiday in the 1970s and emerging into our present observance.
Let’s bring on the patriotic pomp and circumstance with these upcoming low-cost or free neighborhood festivities, plus some other non-Memorial Day nuggets.
FunTimes’ online event focuses on mental health awareness
May 31, 2023. FunTimes is taking action and shedding light on mental health’s darkness. Did you know that 21 percent, or 50 million adults, experience mental illness in the United States? Many do not seek available professional services or treatment, especially in communities of color. FunTimes will host a free special virtual event to support public awareness about the pressing mental wellness and behavioral health crises. The event, Shattering the Stigma: Addressing Mental Wellness Solutions and Support in Communities of Color will be held in partnership with the 24-hour 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. Free, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register here: http://ow.ly/L4NL50Opyqb.
Cool down at a hot Mc-event
May 25, 2023. Coca-Cola and McDonald’s are doing you a solid for Memorial Day. Cool off at McDonald’s Fishtown restaurant’s Frozen Carbonated Beverage Block Party. Enjoy live music, get some fantastic giveaways, and a free cool Frozen Carbonated Beverage (Coca-Cola®, raspberry, wild cherry) when buying a value meal. Free, 5 p.m. to p.m., McDonald’s, 22 West Girard Ave., patch.com.
Stars and stripes forever
May 27 – Mon, May 29, 2023. Get all red, white, and patriotic blue this weekend at the National Constitution Center, and celebrate Memorial Day. Learn how communities nationwide observe Memorial Day. Discover the history of the American flag at an interactive show. Check out flag ceremonies, discussions on U.S. memorials throughout history and across the country, family-friendly workshops and lectures, and crafts for all ages. Also, see all of the center’s other exhibits and artifacts. Free but reserve tickets, 10 a.m.to 5 p.m., National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St., 215-409-6600 or constitutioncenter.org.
Photo by Albert Yee for laurelhillphl.com
Remembering veterans
May 28, 2023. The Memorial Day Celebration at Laurel Hill Cemetery is credited with conducting Philadelphia’s first official Memorial Day commemoration in 1868. The tradition continues today with a wreath-laying ceremony and patriotic music with honor guards. Markers will be dedicated to the graves of previously unmarked veterans. Refreshments. Free but RSVP, noon to 2 p.m. Laurel Hill East, 3822 Ridge Ave., 610-668-9900, email: info@laurelhillphl.com or laurelhillphl.com.
Image: Battleship New Jersey. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Memorial ceremony flows on river
May 29, 2023. Check out the Memorial Day Ceremony at Battleship New Jersey, the most highly decorated vessel in U.S. Naval history. Get a front-row seat on the Delaware River aboard this retired floating monument and battle-tested vessel, which historically is the star of four World War II-built “Iowa-class” battleships. The memorial ceremony will include bugle performances of the National Anthem and TAPS, a wreath-casting onto the Delaware River, and a keynote presentation from U.S. Congressman Donald Norcross. Free, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., 100 Clinton St., Camden, NJ, 866-877-6262 (Ext. 144), email: info@battleshipnewjersey.org or battleshipnewjersey.org.
Image: Cruiser Olympia. Source: phillyseaport.org
May 29, 2023. A Memorial Day Ceremony on the Cruiser Olympia will highlight a color guard presentation, patriotic tunes, and military speeches on a historic Navy vessel. It’s a tribute to all military veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The featured speaker is Commander Chris Robinson, Naval Talent Acquisition Group Philadelphia /Commanding Officer Jillian Pirtle, who will sing the National Anthem, Aidan Peterson, who will perform TAPS; and the Civil Air Patrol Honor will present the ceremonial military colors. Free, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Cruiser Olympia, 211 Columbus Blvd., 215-413-8655 or phillyseaport.org.
Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia
City of storytellers
May 27 – May 29, 2023. Learn secrets about Philadelphia’s history, the birthplace of the United States, through three-to-five-minute little snapshot-type stories. At Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches near historic sites in Old City on Chestnut, Market, and Arch streets, storytellers in period-appropriate dress bring history to life in the very places it all happened. The benches are at Independence Visitor Center, Independence Square, behind Independence Hall, Signer’s Garden, Franklin Court, Betsy Ross House, and Franklin Square. Free, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meet at Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market St., historicphiladelphia.org.
250th Anniversary Program Community Kick-off planning meeting
June 1, 2023. When it comes to hosting epic parties, let’s say that Philadelphia is a party animal. And what makes a great party is creativity. That’s where artists come in. The City is looking for creatives – you know, artists and arts organizations — interested in developing a program for the PHILADELPHIA250’s 250th Program Community kick-off event, which celebrates Philadelphia’s Semiquincentennial, the 250th anniversary of American Independence. Give your input for the 2026 anniversary at an in-person planning meeting. Join historic venues, museums and community groups, and arts organizations to create this once-in-a-lifetime series of events citywide. Free, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Venture Café Philadelphia, 3675 Market St. (3rd Floor). Click here for more information and to register or creativephl.org.
