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Quick Take:
From a legendary 60-year VFW chicken barbecue tradition to sailing regattas on Fern Ridge Reservoir, there’s a lot to do this Memorial Day weekend.
Sample teas at the third annual Eugene Tea Festival, run a race, watch a regatta, take a tour of a historic cemetery, climb a tree, or visit a winery you’ve never tried before. Whether you’re seeking family fun, a relaxing afternoon, or a way to honor veterans, there’s something for everyone this weekend.
Memorial Day Service at Eugene Pioneer Cemetery
https://eugenepioneercemetery.org
1001 E. 18th Ave.
541-334-1196
May 26
11 a.m. – noon
The Pioneer Cemetery in Eugene will be hosting a Memorial Day ceremony led by Eugene VFW Post 293; everyone is welcome to observe this military ceremony. Organizers ask that participants be respectful when observing the ceremony and respect the time of reflection. Before or after the ceremony, take a self-guided tour of the Eugene Pioneer Cemetery, where more than 150 heritage rose plants grow.
Springfield VFW Memorial Day Drive-Thru Chicken BBQ
https://www.facebook.com/p/VFW-POST-3965-Springfield-OR-100069813233004
5344 Main St., Springfield
May 24-26
9 a.m. until sold out
Jayma Albert is canteen manager at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3965 in Springfield. Albert wasn’t exactly sure how long the Springfield VFW has been hosting chicken barbecues, but it’s close to 60 years. This year, about 35 volunteers will prepare 2,560 chickens along with four sides each day.
A half-chicken sells for a $9 donation, sides are $4 each, and corn on the cob is $2. Sides include baked beans, coleslaw, macaroni salad, or potato salad. Cash, debit, and credit cards accepted. All donations are applied to the Veterans Relief Fund that helps veterans with personal needs such as wheelchair ramps.
“The chicken is hot and fresh right off the grill,” Albert said. “It’s made with a brown sugar rub. It’s a secret recipe, but it’s the best chicken in town.”
The drive-through aspect began during the COVID years, but Albert said keeping people in their cars helps streamline and organize the event, so they plan to continue it that way.
“We will never change it, because before people were standing out there in lines all day and it gets hot, or it’s raining,” she said. “This is so quick, so efficient. We have people out at the cars taking orders and we have people bagging up the food so all they have to do is stop to pay. It’s a well-oiled machine at this point.”
The Springfield VFW also hosts similar barbecues on Labor Day and Independence Day.
Eugene Yacht Club Memorial Day Regatta
https://www.eugeneyachtclub.org/regatta/dt6QrirRcS
Fern Ridge Reservoir
May 24 & 25
Register to sail in or show up to watch the Eugene Yacht Club Memorial Day Regatta, no yacht required. Founded in 1940 and located on Fern Ridge Reservoir in Eugene Oregon, The Eugene Yacht Club is a family-friendly member-run club. No pets allowed.
Eugene Masonic Cemetery tours
https://eugenemasoniccemetery.org
25th Avenue and University Street
May 25 & 26
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. At the Eugene Masonic Cemetery, Hope Abbey mausoleum will be open Sunday and Monday and refreshments will be served. Taps will be played each day at 12:15 p.m. at the Public Square at the top of the hill. The organizers will also be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Eugene Masonic Cemetery Association, the nonprofit organization that owns the cemetery and was instrumental in its restoration.
A guided tour of the cemetery will be offered both days, starting at the mausoleum at 12:30 p.m. A family-friendly history hunt with prizes for all who participate will also be offered from 1 to 4 p.m. each day, starting in Hope Abbey. Participants will get instructions, a map and clipboard, and a short list of graves to be found in the cemetery.
Hope Abbey Mausoleum features traditional Egyptian funerary symbols, such as papyrus bundles, lotus-blossom urns and a solar disc with snakes and outstretched wings on each side above its magnificent entrance. The cemetery surrounding the mausoleum holds most of Eugene’s historical names, including city founder Eugene Skinner. The nearly 2,000-square-foot mausoleum was dedicated by Eugene’s Masonic community in 1914.
Getting there: The Masonic Cemetery lies between East 25th and 26th avenues and University and Onyx streets in Eugene; 26th Avenue dead-ends at the cemetery. Park street-side and walk into the cemetery. Hope Abbey Mausoleum sits at the top of the hill. There is no parking in the cemetery.
Eugene Masonic Cemetery concert
https://www.facebook.com/events/597489012661791
25th Avenue and University Street
May 25
6 p.m. Blugene Brass will perform a free concert at the public square of the Eugene Masonic Cemetery. Bring a blanket or low seat for sitting on grass.
Eugene Tea Festival
https://www.eugeneteafest.org
Farmers Market Pavilion
85 E. Eighth Ave.
May 25
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tickets are $10 with a free admission option available.The Eugene Tea Festival allows guests to sample teas from around the world and experience the many ways tea can bring people together. This year’s Eugene Tea Festival is the largest yet, with 60 vendors and 14 workshops lined up.
Memorial Day Weekend at Oregon wineries
Many wineries have open houses and other special events on Memorial Day weekend. Here is just a sampling of some winery events. Check your favorite winery or vineyard to see what is on their schedule for the weekend.
Sarver Winery
https://www.sarverwinery.com
25600 Mayola Lane
541-935-2979
May 24 & 25
Live music is planned, starting with Boxcar Figaro on Saturday at 3 p.m. and Henry Cooper Trio on Sunday at 2 p.m. Sarver’s food truck, Penelope, will be serving pizzas and food specials.
Hayworth Estate Wines
https://www.hayworthestatewines.com
92075 Powerline Road
541-900-3013
May 25
Hayworth is planning live music with Gus Russell & Kathy Mezger on Sunday, along with food from The Dope Tacos.
Sweet Cheeks Winery
https://sweetcheekswinery.com
27007 Briggs Hill Road
541-349-9463
May 24 & 25
At Sweet Cheeks Winery, listen to live music while you shop for deals to celebrate Oregon Wine Month (May). Smok’n Gingers food truck will be at the winery, with barbecue available for purchase all weekend. Sweet Cheeks’ tasting room is open daily from noon to 5 p.m. with last wine service ending at 4:30 p.m.
Silvan Ridge Winery
https://silvanridge.com
27012 Briggs Hill Road
541-345-1945
May 24 & 25
Silvan Ridge Winery is open to the public from noon – 5 p.m. for picnics over Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, with live music Saturday and Sunday from 2 – 4 p.m. There is no admission charge, the winery is open to all ages, and is dog-friendly. Saturday, The Basin St. Band will play while John Shipe plays Sunday. Make a reservation for a table, as you must be seated at a table to enjoy a tasting flight. Reservations are required for groups larger than eight.
Tree Climbing Eugene Open House
https://treeclimbingeugene.com/open-climbs
Maurie Jacobs Park
169 Fir Lane
541-514-8491
May 25
Noon – 3 p.m.
Open Climbs are an opportunity to drop in and try out tree climbing. The rope systems will be set up in the trees and a facilitator will walk participants through safely ascending into the canopy. No experience required. People ages 5+ are welcome to climb; minors must be accompanied by an adult. Climbing saddles fit waist sizes 20 to 45 inches. Drop in or save your spot; there is generally a max of 12 climbers per three-hour climb. Pay what you can; suggested $20/climber. No one turned away for lack of funds.
Miles On Memorial
https://eclecticedgeracing.com/miles-on-memorial
Alton Baker Park
100 Day Island Road
May 26
9 a.m.
Sign up for a 5K, 10K,15K, or a three-person 15K relay at Alton Baker Park. Awards will be given to the top overall male and female finisher, to the first-place finisher in each age group in each race, and to the top relay team in each division.
