Five Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day 2010

Memorial Day 2010 is upon us offering the opportunity to remember those who serve and have served our country.  It's also a retail sale extravaganza, unofficial kick-off of summer and, for many, a nice, long weekend.  While the lure of major sales will undoubtedly have a strong pull on bargain hunters, here are five ways to celebrate that will keep you out of the stores (and out of trouble!) and won't cost you much money at all:

Parade - Marching bands, baton twirlers, and cars decorated in red, white and blue.  What could be a more appropriate way to experience the patriotic pageant of Memorial Day?  About.com has a listing of some Memorial Day parades in major metropolitan areas which should provide a start. If your town isn't listed, try Googling "Memorial Day parade" along with the name of the largest nearby town. Find a local procession, stake out a good spot along the route and wave mini flags to show your support for the troops--past and present.

Parks - Getting "back to nature" is a fine way to salute the summer season.  The United States has a wealth of National Parks where you can discover and explore the beauty of a natural setting.  Whether your preference is hiking, camping or just soaking up the sun--there are almost 400 locations across the country to enjoy with friends or family as a mini-vacation this holiday weekend.

Pool - Nothing says "Summer" quite like splashing around in a crystalline, chlorinated community pool.  I fondly remember getting up at the crack of dawn to shiver with blue lips and pruned fingers during summer swimming lesson.  Good times, good times.  Don't have a public pool nearby?  Well, a sprinkler or Super Soaker will do in a pinch.  Break out the swimsuits and have a blast!

Picnic - Blanket?  Check.  Cooler of munch-ables and beverages?  Check.  Nice grassy spot under a shady tree?  Check.  Trashy novel or favorite tunes for entertainment?  Check.  Ants?  Optional. Location of choice can be a National Park, local park or that little patch of lawn in your backyard, but somehow food always tastes better eaten al fresco.  

Party - Katie offered up some nifty Memorial Day party ideas earlier.  Call up a few friends, task each with bringing a dish, fire up the grill and some music and celebrate the fact that you've got Monday off.  Whoohoo!  If you're not up for throwing your own bash and you live near the Encino area, crash Katie's party.  Just follow the scent of the grilled bacon and pineapple and the sounds of rock 'n roll music--you'll find it.

What do you have planned for this holiday weekend?  Let us know in the comments!