The Memorial Day weekend signals the unofficial start of summer, and to be sure, there are good times to be had around Morristown to celebrate that arrival.
But it’s also a time to remember those who sacrificed everything so that we may enjoy good times. Watch Saturday’s parade in Morris Plains, honor World War I doughboys at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm, or say thank you to Gold Star Mothers on Monday at the Morristown Green.
For more events, please check out our great calendar–and add your events to it.
THURSDAY, May 26
There’s a Spanish Speakers Happy Hour for Young Professionals at Pazzo Pazzo from 6 – 8 pm. Speakers of all levels of proficiency are encouraged to attend this Happy Hour gathering. No drink discounts, but a tapas menu and a nice atmosphere. This is a members-only event; Greg is the host. Look for signs for the group, or ask the staff. See the New Jersey Young Professionals website for more about the group.
FRIDAY, May 27
You can Support the Stickley Museum while enjoying a day of golf at the 11th Annual Craftsman Classic Golf Outing at The Knoll West in Parsippany. Lunch, dinner, awards, and green fees are included in the $175 ticket price. The event begins at noon; pre-registration is required. Call 973-540-0311 to register.
The last Fridays-on-the-Green Free Midday Concert in May is at The Presbyterian Church from 12:15 – 12:55 pm. It also marks the final Friday concert by church music director Jim Hicks, who retires this fall after 26 years of beautiful music. The concert will feature composer for television, theater and cinema Claude Lamothe, performing original music for violoncello, in a variety of styles. At 57 park Place, Morristown. The concert is free; lunch is offered (for sale) by C’est Cheese before and after the concert. Call 973-538-1776 for more information.
Ride in the Critical Mass bike ride from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Meet behind Morristown town hall for a leisurely ride through Morristown.
Then, head down to the Morristown EcoCenter for the Morristown Bike Fest: a Celebration of People and Pedals from 6:30 – 11:30 pm. The event is free, but donations will support Bike and Walk Morristown. At 55 Bank Street, Morristown (the site of the old Mini Cooper dealership). Here’s Bike Fest’s Facebook page.
From 8 – 11 pm, enjoy a Folk Project Special Concert featuring Za Zu Zaz. It’s a reunion concert of the New Jersey swing band featuring Grover Kemble. Tickets are $20 for Folk Project members and $25 for non-members; you can buy them online at , and they are being sold in advance at the The Folk Project website, or at the Minstrel (although this is not a Minstrel event per se). We’re told the concert is likely to sell out. At the Morristown Unitarian Fellowship, 21 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown. Call 908-591-6491 for information.
SATURDAY, May 28
It’s the famous Morris Plains Memorial Day Service and Parade, from 9 – 11 am. From F-16 flyovers (around 10:30, we’re told) to the Little League to Shriners in minicars to border collies, it’s always a fun event. A Memorial Day Service at Roberts Garden (at the corner of Glenbrook Road and Mountain Way) starts the day off at 9; the parade itself begins at 9:30. Free.
Then, for more patriotic celebration, you can head to Decoration Day Weekend: World War I Remembered at Fosterfields Living Historical Farm. Meet WWI re-enactors, and learn about an American Doughboy’s tour of duty in France from 1917 – 1918. At the Farmhouse, learn how the Fosters and the resident farm family supported the war on the home front. From 1 – 3:30 pm, at 73 Kahdena Road, Morris Township; regular admission prices. Call 973-326-7645 or see the Morris Parks website for more information.
Gospel singer Mary Graham Aiken will join Peter Moffit’s band tonight from 5 – 6 pm for St. Peter’s Saturday Night Worship in the Parish Hall. Read more about Mary, who sang at last year’s Gospel Gumbo benefit concert. 70 Maple Avenue, Morristown. Free, and all are welcome.
MONDAY, May 30 – Memorial Day
Gold Star Mothers–whose children have died serving our country–will rededicate the Gold Star Mothers Tree on the Morristown Green at 11 a.m. The Norway Spruce is the only pine tree on the Green. The old star on top was refurbished last fall. When the tree was dedicated exactly 65 years ago, it commemorated soldiers killed in World War II. Now, it honors the sacrifice of all mothers who have given their sons and daughters to preserve our freedom.
Enjoy a Memorial Day Picnic for Young Professionals from 11 am – 6 pm at Loantaka Park. It’s the New Jersey Young Professionals’ fifth Annual Memorial Day Picnic, with plenty of food and drink, softball and kickball games, sun (we hope!), fun, the chance to meet other young professionals. Pics from the 2010 picnic are at the NJYP website.
Eric Hayes and Friends host “Monday Night Jam Sessions“ at the Dark Horse Lounge from 7 – 11 pm. The space recently has been equipped with a full stage, performance lighting, a new sound system, and new lounge seating, we’re told, and that all kinds of musicians — guitarists, bassists, drummers, singers, harp players, sax players, etc. — are welcome to share their talent on the evening. At 4 Dehart Street, Morristown.
And it’s Game Night at Hennessey’s Washington Bar, too, from 7 – 10 pm. “Adult-themed games — no trivia.” At 140 Morris St., Morristown. No cover. Call 973-292-0400 for more information.
