EVENTS: Memorial Day Parades, Town Pool Opens

Ready or not, here comes summer!

The annual Memorial Day parade in Basking Ridge center is coming up as a day to honor veterans as well as kick off summer. Mark your calendar to be there for the parade to step off at 9:30 a.m. on Monday at St. James Church, before it heads up South Finley Avenue to the center of town.

The Bernardsville parade is just an hour later, at 10:30 a.m. That parade will begin on Church Street, heading onto Route 202 to the borough hall. The Bernardsville Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7858 will lead the procession.

There's the annual Tour of Somerville cycling series and later in the week, the sixth annual Base Camp International bike race, at 6 p.m. next Thursday, May 31, in Basking Ridge.

And the biggest harbinger of summer of all — Pleasant Valley pool opens on Saturday, beginning part-time hours until June 22. Memberships are still available.

If you check our list, there are plenty of other cool things to do over the Memorial Day weekend, and into next week, throughout our area.

Memorial Day Parade in Basking Ridge
When/Where: Steps off from at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, Memorial Day, and proceeds up South Finley Avenue to Basking Ridge center.
Why Go: See what the has pulled together for this year's hometown Memorial Day parade — remember what the day is for, and also kick off summer 2012 by greeting friends and cheering on the parade.
Cost: Free, for information, contact Kevin M. Lavery at kmlavery@aol.com.

Opening of Pleasant Valley Pool
When/Where: The opening of the Bernards Township pool at is on Saturday, May 26. Part-time hours in effect until June 22; weekends, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; weekdays, 4 to 7 p.m.
Why Go: Because nothing says summer like jumping into the swimming pool. Memberships still available.
Cost: Join the pool or be someone's guest.

Endangered Turtles of Great Swamp
When/Where: At 10 a.m. on Saturday at the , 32 Pleasant Plains Road, in Basking Ridge.
Why Go: The Friends of the Great Swamp NWS present this focus on turtle with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Wildlife biologist Colin Osborn, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Law Enforcement Officer Mike McMenamin, and Dr. Kurt Buhlmann from the University of Georgia. The program will include live hatchling wood turtles, a live demonstration of radio telemetry and more.,
Cost: Free, suitable for all ages. Refreshments to be served.


When/Where: Friday at 7:30 p.m. at , 879 S. Beverwyck Road, Parsippany
Why Go: To honor seniors and experience the beauty of the Jewish sabbath at this community-wide observance
Cost: Free

Live Animal Exhibit at Environmental Education Center
When/Where: "Alive at the EEC," a live animal exhibit, will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Somerset County in Basking Ridge, continuing through June 8, except for Memorial Day, May 28.
Why Go: You not only get to see real animals from the surrounding Great Swamp, you can see other reptiles and amphibians — such as poison dart frogs — from around the world.
Cost: Free 

Bernardsville Memorial Day Parade
When/Where: On Monday, May 28, stepping off from 10:30 a.m. on Church Street by Route 202 (near Gallaway & Crane) and proceeding to borough hall on Mine Brook Road.
Why Go: See your neighbors and salute veterans — members of the VFW Post 7858 will lead the parade.
Cost: Free.

"Impressions of Nature" Photo Exhibit and Sale
When/Where: At the center in Basking Ridge, during gallery hours from 1 to 4 p.m. on weekends through June 16, except for Sunday, May 13, Saturday, May 19, or the weekend of May 26-27.
Why Go: Basking Ridge photographer Filip Everaert’s photography is exceptional for its color and rich textures, capturing the essence of the beauty of nature.
Cost: Free

Somerset County Student Artists at Morris Museum
When/Where: On exhibit, through May 27, at the Morris Museum, 6 Normandy Heights Road in Morristown.
Why Go: The work of student artists from,  Gill St. Bernard's, Bridgewater-Raritan High School, Watchung Regional High School and more are on exhibit at the museum.
Cost: Museum admission, adults: $10, children: $7, seniors: $7, children under 3, free

Base Camp International Bike Race
When/Where: Next Thursday, May 31, starting at 6 p.m. sharp in the center of Basking Ridge; stunt bike demonstration at 5:30 p.m.
Why Go: Cheer on professional cyclists from all around the world while cheering and munching from the sidelines.
Cost: Free to watch

Tour of Somerville Cycling Series
When/Where: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday throughout each day along Main Street in Somerville and the surrounding towns.
Why Go: Because we love cyclists, we love great bands, we love fun activities and we love chocolate—and that will all be part of the weekend festival!
Cost: Free.

Bridgewater Baseball and Softball Memorial Day Tournament
When/Where: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday throughout each day at the various fields in Bridgewater.
Why Go: To support the local league teams in their annual tournament, and cheer on your favorite players!
Cost: Free.

"Main Street," a Small Standard Flower Show
When/Where: Friday at 12 p.m. at the on Somerville Road.
Why Go: To support the Washington Valley Garden Club, which is presenting its flower show.
Cost: Free.

Patriots Game plus Fireworks
When/Where: Friday at 7:05 p.m. at the off East Main Street.
Why Go: The Patriots are taking on the Camden Riversharks at the stadium, with a fireworks show immediately following the game.
Cost: $9.50, although prices can vary based on your seat.

Bridgewater Community Blood Drive
When/Where: Sunday at 12 p.m. at the .
Why Go: Because it's for a good cause to donate to the NY Blood Center. And if that's not enough of a reason, each donor will receive free NY Mets tickets!
Cost: Free.

Patriots Game against Camden Riversharks
When/Where: Sunday at 1:05 p.m. at the off East Main Street.
Why Go: The Patriots are taking on the Camden Riversharks, and there is a chance to win $10,000.
Cost: $9.50, although prices can vary based on your seat.

Patriots Game plus Fireworks
When/Where: Sunday at 7:05 p.m. at the off East Main Street.
Why Go: The Patriots are taking on the Long Island Ducks at the stadium, with a fireworks show immediately following the game.
Cost: $9.50, although prices can vary based on your seat.

Dawn Patrol MC Motorcycle Classic
When/Where: Sunday beginning at 9 a.m., and starting at the on Old York Road.
Why Go: Because you love motorcycles, you love poker and you want to put them together in a classic event that includes riding your hog, eating great food and possibly winning some money!
Cost: $20.

When/Where: Saturday, 9 a.m. at Frelinghuysen Arboretum, Morris Township Why Go: You want to enjoy what will hopefully be a sunny, warm day exploring the arboretum.
Cost: $10

When/Where: Friday, noon, at The Presbyterian Church of Morristown
Why Go: You want to hear The Steve Hess Trio instead of working through lunch.
Cost: Free

When/Where: Friday, 6:30 p.m. at Lidgerwood Park, Morristown
Why Go: Following the monthly Community Bike Ride at 6 p.m. from Town Hall, you want to keep the party going.
Cost: Free to attend (there will be a Thai food truck!)

When/Where: Sunday, 9:30 a.m. at Early Street Community Garden, Morristown
Why Go: It's Yoga for all!
Cost: Free ($5 suggested donation)

When/Where: Saturday at 7:40 p.m. at , 113 Hawkins Ave., Parsippany
Why Go: To participate in a community-wide celebration of the handing down of the Ten Commandments 
Cost: Free

When/Where:10:30 a.m. Saturday, , 55 Main St., Chatham
Why Go: Working moms with kids over 6 months, share best practices with other women in the same boat.
Cost: $10

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