Charlotte Memorial Day 2018 Free Events Ceremonies And Military Offers

Memorial Day 2018 will be observed on Monday, May 28, in Charlotte, North Carolina, providing residents and visitors with numerous opportunities to honor fallen service members while enjoying free events and special offers. The holiday, which commemorates men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Military, will be marked by ceremonies, community events, and discounts specifically for military personnel. This guide outlines the various free offerings available in Charlotte during Memorial Day 2018, helping consumers maximize their holiday experience without straining their budgets.

Memorial Day Closures in Charlotte

Before planning Memorial Day activities, it's important to note which services and businesses will be closed in observance of the holiday. According to official information, the following establishments and services will be closed on Monday, May 28, 2018:

• Schools
• Federal Government Offices
• State Government Offices
• Local Government Offices
• Post Office
• Banks
• Mecklenburg County government offices and agencies
• Department of Social Services (though their hotlines operate 24/7 for reporting abuse or neglect)

Residents should plan accordingly, making necessary purchases or appointments before the holiday. The Department of Social Services maintains 24-hour hotlines for reporting suspected abuse or neglect of seniors or disabled individuals at 704-336-CARE (2273).

Memorial Day Ceremonies and Events

Charlotte and surrounding areas will host several ceremonies to honor fallen service members during Memorial Day 2018. These events provide opportunities for community participation in meaningful remembrance:

Field of Flags Ceremony in Mooresville

A Memorial Day ceremony will be held at the Field of Flags off Joe Knox Road in Mooresville at 10 a.m. Volunteers have placed 500 flags at the location, each bearing the name of a fallen soldier or first responder. The ceremony is scheduled to last one hour and is open to the public.

Sharon Memorial Park Service

Sharon Memorial Park in Charlotte will host its annual Memorial Day service at 10 a.m. This free event is open to anyone wishing to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the military.

Veterans Park Service in Huntersville

Huntersville will hold a Memorial Day service at Veterans Park at 11 a.m. Organizers encourage community members to attend these ceremonies as part of their Memorial Day observance.

Community Celebrations and Festivals

Beyond solemn ceremonies, Charlotte offers several festive events during Memorial Day weekend:

Circle K Speed Street

Charlotte's Circle K Speed Street festival marks the Memorial Day weekend by combining music and NASCAR events. This annual festival takes over the streets of Uptown Charlotte, featuring performances and activities throughout the weekend. Detailed schedules of performances are available for those planning to attend.

U.S. National Whitewater Center Memorial Day Celebration

The U.S. National Whitewater Center will host its annual Memorial Day celebration, beginning with a 9 a.m. Memorial Day Trail Race. The event continues with yoga sessions, performances, and concludes with fireworks. This family-friendly celebration offers multiple ways to participate in honoring the holiday while enjoying outdoor activities.

Military Offers and Discounts

Several businesses in the Charlotte area and beyond will offer special deals for active duty military personnel, veterans, and their families during Memorial Day 2018:

Free Admission and Special Offers

• Carowinds: From May 27-28, active, inactive, and retired members of the U.S. military with valid military ID receive free park admission.
• King's Dominion: Military personnel with valid ID receive free park admission from May 26-28.
• J.C. Penney: Offers a free 8x10 print with valid military ID (coupon expires June 20).

Discounted Offers

• 2(X)ist: May 23-28, 25% off plus $10 off every $100 spent online. This discount applies to both military and non-military customers.
• Calvin Klein: May 23-28, 40% off website purchases. This discount applies to both military and non-military customers.
• Foot Locker: May 23-28, 20% off online purchases.
• Dell: May 23-31, 15% off PCs and Dell electronics with coupon.
• REI: May 23-28, 20% off one full-priced item or one REI Outlet item.

Ongoing Military Discounts

Several businesses offer military discounts throughout the year: - A.C. Moore: 15% off with valid military ID - Amtrak: 10% off with valid military ID - Bass Pro Shops/Cabela's: 5% off with valid military ID - Lowe's: 10% off with valid military ID - Michael's: 15% off with valid military ID

Free Food and Community Events

Charlotte residents can enjoy several free food options during Memorial Day 2018:

Keith Clinic Estramonte Chiropractic

Keith Clinic Estramonte Chiropractic will distribute free Double Bacon Cheeseburgers with chips and cookies on Memorial Day. The event will take place at their location at 4016 Triangle Drive, Charlotte, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or until supplies are depleted.

Ace Hardware American Flag Giveaway

Ace Hardware will distribute 1 million American flags on Saturday, May 26, 2018. These 8" x 12" stick flags are suitable for placing on graves, fields, or gardens as tributes to fallen service members. No purchase is required, but distribution is while supplies last.

Planning Your Memorial Day Observance

When planning to participate in Charlotte's Memorial Day activities, consider the following:

1. Check weather forecasts: Outdoor events may be affected by weather conditions. The sources mention that rain might impact Memorial Day plans, so checking forecasts is advisable.

2. Arrive early: Popular events like the ceremonies may draw significant crowds, especially those with special meaning to military families.

3. Bring necessary identification: For military-specific offers, proper identification is required.

4. Respect the solemn nature of the day: While some events are festive, Memorial Day primarily honors fallen service members. Balancing celebration with respect is encouraged.

Conclusion

Memorial Day 2018 in Charlotte offers numerous opportunities to honor fallen service members while enjoying free events, ceremonies, and special offers. From solemn ceremonies at local parks to festive celebrations at venues like the U.S. National Whitewater Center, residents have multiple ways to participate in meaningful observance of the holiday. Military personnel and veterans can take advantage of various discounts and free admission offers at local attractions and businesses. Additionally, free food distributions and community events provide additional ways to celebrate without financial burden. By taking advantage of these offerings, Charlotte residents can demonstrate their appreciation for those who served while enjoying a memorable holiday weekend.

Sources

1. Memorial Day 2018: What's Open, Closed In Mecklenburg County
2. Charlotte Area Events Being Held to Commemorate Memorial Day
3. Memorial Day 2018: Events In Charlotte, Lake Norman
4. Memorial Day Freebies and Events
5. Military Deals for Memorial Day 2018