In today's age, it is easy to forget the true meaning of Memorial Day-remembering those who died serving our country. But it can never be forgotten in the small town of Blairstown, located in Warren County. I may be slightly biased, but Memorial Day Weekend in Blairstown is one of the best celebrations ever.
Every year is the same. Sunday morning arrives and the excitement is at large. Families get their belongings together to enjoy a long day in the hot sun in downtown Blairstown. One of the two big parking lots in town get filled with kids of all ages, veterans, horses, trucks, tractors, and even firemen from the surrounding towns. Girl scout troops each get their own parking spot to fix their outfits while the boy scout troops are fixing the last minute additions to their floats. The parking lot is packed and waiting to start their walk down Rt. 94.
The kick-off to the parade isn't a man yelling or a siren, but rather a ceremony is the cemetery honoring those who have passed. The American Legion and the boy scouts post flags on many of the graves and end with a cannon ball shot.
The parade starts and the fun continues. The parades makes their way through the long stretch of Rt. 94 eventually leading in to Footbridge Park. Sitting along the sides of the road are families and friends enjoying the fun while candy is being thrown from the floats.
There are bagpipes.
Army trucks, to thank our troops.
There is Uncle Sam on stilts.
While the parade comes to an end, the activities for the day do not. A picnic in the park allows for everyone to get together and enjoy the day. There are free hotdogs, faceprinting, yard games, and even a free beer tent for those of age! Everyone seems to go home and BBQ while still remembering those who has passed.
The Day might be over, but Memorial Day Weekend is more than just one day. Rise and shine, get those bathing suits on, and bring your kayaks down to the Delaware River. Monday is tradition for floating down the river. 30 inflatable boats attach together and float down being followed by even more people in nearly 25 kayaks/canoes, each with an American flag taped to the front.
Memorial Day Weekend in Blairstown is a weekend that everyone should experience once. So hop in the car and get on down to Blairstown for a fun-filled patriotic weekend.
