As thousands of Minnesotans hit the roads or planned to gather with family and friends over the Memorial Day weekend, Historic Fort Snelling in St. Paul kicked off its summer season Saturday with a three-day celebration of pioneer days in the 1800s. Visitors explored historic buildings, chatted with costumed interpreters and learned about life in early Minnesota. Events planned for Sunday and Monday include memorial services, veterans celebrations, military speakers, rifle salutes, bell ringing and religious ceremonies across the metro.
Bloomington: Dawn Valley Memorial Park, 9940 Bush Lake Road. Ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday.
Crystal: Glen Haven Memorial Gardens, 5125 Broadway. Ceremony at 1 p.m. Monday.
Excelsior: Oak Hill Cemetery. Ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Monday.
Little Falls: Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, 15550 Hwy. 115. Ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Monday. Music by Richfield Symphonic Band. Keynote speaker, Carla Tappanier, first vice commander of American Legion Post 1776 and former trumpeter with Army Band.
Maplewood: Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 1800 Edgerton St. Program at 11 a.m. Monday.
Maplewood: Union Cemetery, 2505 E. Minnehaha Av. Ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday.
Mendota Heights: Resurrection Cemetery, 2101 S. Lexington Av.: 10 a.m. Monday service with the Rev. Harry Flynn, archbishop emeritus of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
Mendota Heights: Acacia Park Cemetery, 2151 Pilot Knob Road. Ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday will include a patriotic address by James E. Williams, music by the Prince Henry III Players, a presentation by the West St. Paul Canine Team and tributes by the Minnesota Job's Daughters, the Legion Honor Guard and the Damascus Commandry.