Memorial Day Events in Central Florida

On May 5, 1868. General John Logan issued his General Order No. 11, which proclaimed Decoration Day to remember and honor the fallen dead of the Civil War. All across America, similar traditions were springing up. Southern states baulked at sharing their memories of fallen loved ones with the North, until after World War I, when Memorial Day was declared a day to honor all those fallen in war, not just the Civil War.

Now celebrated in almost all 50 states, Congress passed the National Holiday Act in 1971, ensuring a 3 day weekend for National Holidays. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May.

Each states, city, town and hamlet that observes this day of fallen warriors and bittersweet memories does so in their way. In Deland, FL and surrounding areas, there are parades, festivals, cook-offs, games, music, and arts and crafts show. Central Florida is sprinkled with small, rather enclave-like towns, but when this holiday rolls around, many of these towns experience a influx of visitors that explodes their normal population

Palatka, FL

Tiny Palatka, FL holds its annual Blue Crab Festival every Memorial Day weekend. The festival is Central Florida's largest Memorial Day celebration, now in it's 21^st year. The festival kicks off on the Friday before Memorial Day, which falls on May 22 this year in downtown Palatka as a preview of the weekend's activities. Events and activities begin Saturday morning at 10 am and culminate Monday with a Memorial Day parade downtown and ceremonies to remember those lost to battle.

As the name suggests, the blue crab is featured heavily in cook-outs, booths, artwork and games, but it isn't the only edible offered. A seafood cook-off is scheduled for May 23. Entries are still being taken for the competitive chef in you. There are live performances, rides, music, and arts and crafts. There's plenty for the entire family to do and see at Palatka's Memorial Day Blue Crab Festival.

For information on the Blue Crab Festival, click here.

Cocoa, FL

This year, Fantasy of Flight is offering a Memorial Day BBQ Lunch Cruise in Cocoa, FL to mark the holiday. The cruise includes a 2-hour river cruise, lunch, live music and parking. For your listening and dancing pleasure, Bill Franz and his River Boat Gang will be playing Dixieland aboard the riverboat. The lunch includes an all day cash bar. To book tickets for Memorial Day weekend, click here.

Reservations Line: 1.888.590.8910

Central Florida News 13 offers more listings of upcoming events with dates, times and contact information.