Memorial Day weekend is almost here! This extended weekend marks the unofficial start of summer with a variety of family-friendly events and patriotic festivities. But more importantly, this annual holiday is designed to honor those who sacrificed their lives while serving in our country’s armed forces.
There are a number of special Memorial Day events and ceremonies happening in Vancouver and surrounding communities in Southwest Washington. Mark your calendars so you don’t miss out!
Southwest Washington Memorial Weekend Spring Wine Release
May 24–27
Participating Wineries (Listed Below)
Savor a weekend of artisan wine during the Southwest Washington Memorial Weekend Spring Wine Release, in which 16 family-owned, boutique wineries and vineyards will release new spring wines. Pick up a free “passport” at participating wineries if you plan on visiting multiple throughout the weekend. If you visit three or more wineries (collecting a stamp at each), you will be entered in a drawing for prizes, which will be announced at the end of the weekend.
Visit any of the many participating wineries throughout Southwest Washington (listed below). Many wineries will offer live music and other festivities throughout the weekend.
VANCOUVER
Saturday 1–7 p.m., Sunday 1–5 p.m. + Monday 1–5 p.m.
Heathen Estate (Pouring at Heathen Brewing Feral Public House)
Saturday 12–5 p.m., Sunday 12–5 p.m. + Monday 12–5 p.m.
Saturday 12–6 p.m., Sunday 12–6 p.m. + Monday 12–6 p.m.
Saturday 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.–9 p.m. + Monday 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
RIDGEFIELD
Confluence Vineyards and Winery
Saturday 12–6 p.m. + Sunday 12–6 p.m.
Stavalaura Vineyards and Winery
Saturday 12–5 p.m., Sunday 12–5 p.m. + Monday 12–5 p.m.
Friday 3–7 p.m., Saturday 12–6 p.m., Sunday 12–5 p.m. + Monday 12–5 p.m.
BATTLE GROUND
Saturday 2–10 p.m., Sunday 12–5 p.m. + Monday 12–5 p.m.
Saturday 12–5 p.m., Sunday 12–5 p.m. + Monday 12–5 p.m.
Saturday 12–6 p.m., Sunday 12–5 p.m. + Monday 12–5 p.m.
Saturday 12–5 p.m., Sunday 12–5 p.m. + Monday 12–5 p.m.
Saturday 12–5 p.m.
Saturday 12–5 p.m., Sunday 12–5 p.m. + Monday 12–5 p.m.
YACOLT
Friday 4–9 p.m., Saturday 12–9 p.m., Sunday 12–5 p.m. + Monday 12–5 p.m.
Friday 12–6 p.m., Saturday 12–6 p.m., Sunday 12–5 p.m. + Monday 12–5 p.m.
CAMAS
Columbia Gorge Vintners (Pouring at Salud Wine Bar)
Saturday 12–5 p.m., Sunday 12–5 p.m. + Monday 12–5 p.m.
WOODLAND
Saturday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. + Monday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Veterans Carnival Fundraiser
May 25
Vancouver Lake Regional Park, Vancouver
The Clark County Veterans Assistance Center is hosting their annual fundraiser in the form of a fun, family-friendly carnival at the Vancouver Lake Eagle Picnic Shelter! $20 tickets include entry, a meal, entertainment, and five game tickets. This event benefits the Clark County Veterans Assistance Center, a non-profit focused on assisting veterans and their families in obtaining benefits, services and resources to meet their basic needs. CCVAC strives to support the reintegration of male and female military veterans into the community.
Memorial Day Classic
May 25–27
Harmony Sports Complex, Vancouver
Is there anything more American than watching baseball on Memorial Day weekend? Many families in the area will spend Memorial Day weekend at Harmony Sports Complex, David Douglas Park and other sites, which will host the Memorial Day Classic. Baseball teams from the Majors and AAA levels (8U to 18U) will compete in a series of games on Saturday and Sunday, with top teams advancing to Monday’s games. See the full schedule of games here.
Race to Remember 2019
May 27
Race to Remember seeks to honor the men and women who so bravely made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. This Memorial Day race is a timed event open to the public starting at the Remembrance Wall situated at the VFW Memorial Plaza in the heart of Vancouver. Participate in the half marathon, 10K and 5K routes, each of which start with the Honor Mile, a pathway lined with American flags and pictures of fallen soldiers. This community walk is designed for participants to slow down and remember the sacrifice of military heroes.
Vancouver’s Memorial Day Ceremony
May 27
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, Vancouver
Join the Community Military Appreciation Committee and Waste Connections at Vancouver’s Memorial Day Observance, hosted by the National Park Service and the City of Vancouver. Head to the main gazebo at the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, just south of the Marshall House, for this special ceremony honoring fallen military heroes. The National Park Service will have the Soldiers Bivouac on display on the Parade Ground adjacent to the event area. Free public parking is available at Hudson’s Bay High School. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m.
Washougal’s Memorial Day Ceremony
May 27
Washougal Memorial Cemetery, Washougal
The City of Washougal, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and American Legion Women’s Auxiliary is hosting a special Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. at Washougal Memorial Cemetery. This event is free and open to the public.
2019 Memorial Day 1 Mile, 5K & 10K
May 27–31
Anywhere (Virtual Race)
No matter where you are, you can compete in the first annual Memorial Day 1-Mile, 5K & 10K in Vancouver. This virtual race means you can complete your race any time, at any location during the month — but it’s even better if it’s on May 27. The cost to participate is $20 and at least 15 percent of each registration will be donated to Operation Gratitude, a non-profit organization that seeks to lift spirits and meet the evolving needs of the U.S. Military and first responder communities, and provide volunteer opportunities for Americans to express their appreciation to all who serve our nation.
Happy Memorial Day
We wish you a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend! Let us know how you’re spending the weekend in the comments below.
