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Best Memorial Day Walks, Runs And Parades In San Francisco Bay Area

By Laurie Jo Miller Farr

It's never too soon for another three-day weekend. There's a party atmosphere in the Mission and a solemn remembrance commemoration in the Presidio. If you're staying close to home, several family-friendly events, walks, runs, and a parade are scheduled around the San Francisco Bay Area.

Carnaval Celebration and Parade
24th and Bryant Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
www.carnavalsanfrancisco.org

Date: May 26 and 27, 2018 at 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The highlight of the 40th Annual Carnaval Celebration with a "Roots of Carnaval" theme is Sunday's parade beginning at 9:30 a.m. in the Mission District. Thirty Latin American and Caribbean dance groups, some with remarkable headdresses, are joining in the colorful free event on the 27th of May. Spectators can choose a good viewing position along the route. The parade starts on 24th Street and Bryant Street, heads west to Mission Street before continuing north to 17th Street where it ends at the intersection with Harrison Street. In addition to the parade, Carnaval is a two-day street fair on Harrison Street between 16th and 24th streets, featuring plenty of food, music, dance and arts and crafts. It runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, May 26 and 27, 2018. Don't miss the raffle with a first prize of two roundtrip tickets to Cancun, Mexico.

Memorial Day Ceremony at the National Cemetery
Presidio of San Francisco
Officer's Club

Date: May 28, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This year marks the 150th Anniversary Memorial Day Commemoration, dating to 1868 when America's first remembrance day was observed. The Presidio Trust, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the City of San Francisco invite everyone to the Presidio to observe the official City and County of San Francisco event. A 30-minute parade in the Presidio begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Officer's Club and concludes at the National Cemetery. Spectators will hear from the South San Francisco High School Marching Band and veterans. An hour-long program by dignitaries and veterans plus live music takes place at the cemetery. To conclude, cannons firing a 21-gun salute conducted by the U.S. Army's 75th Pacific Division Training Command at Pershing Square at Main Post. Following the official program, National Park Rangers and Docents will offer guided tours of this noteworthy cemetery. Join a community picnic (food for sale) and children's activities on the Main Lawn. No registration required.

Related:  Memorial Day Recipe Guide

Armed Forces Half Marathon
Todos Santos Plaza
Concord, CA 94520
www.armedforceshalf.com
Date:  May 26, 2018 at 6:30 a.m.

Concord was a military base established in 1942, which closed in 2007. The Armed Forces Half is Concord's first large-scale run, now in its second year. Following the playing of taps and singing of the national anthem, the sounding of the Color Guard begins the run at 6:30 a.m. sharp. Start in Todos Santos Plaza and run through Clyde Naval Weapons Station. Register online for a custom shirt honoring a branch of the Armed Forces. Put the shirt on, wear the bib, and get the five-inch commemorative medal. A great post-race experience is planned when Hot for Teacher ((Van Halen Cover) takes to the stage. Organizers say, "You can expect both roaring and melodic lead vocals, stunning guitar solos, thundering bass, massive drums, vocal harmonies — and best of all, one heck of a good time!" During the month of May, registration is $95; there's no race day registration.

Marin Memorial Day Races
College of Marin
College Ave.
Kentfield, CA 94904
www.mybestruns.com/MarinMemorialDayRaces

Date: May 28, 2018 at 6:30 a.m.

It's the 40th year for the Marin Memorial Day Races. There are three events: Competitive 10K; 5K run/walk benefiting pancreatic cancer research; and Youth Track Races. The 10K is the PA/USATF 10K Road Championship with a $3000 purse. 5K and 10K awards are 3 deep in all of the five age groups. Expect anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 runners at one of the fastest 10K courses in the Bay Area. The Marin 10K is a  flat, certified loop that begins at the Marin College tennis courts and kicks into high gear for a dramatic finish in the College of Marin Stadium. The Don Ritchie 5K features a walk, run, or race walk, while the kids age 12 and under can join the popular and fun Youth Track Races.

Related: 5 Nearby Towns For A Quick Getaway On Memorial Day

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