MERCER MEMORIAL Weekend events

Mercer Memorial Day 500 will honor veterans starting May 28 with several events throughout the weekend. Mercer-area residents purchased 500 flags with engraved dog tags attached in 2003-2004 to honor area veterans. All 500 flags will fly together for the first time this year. The schedule of events:
MAY 28
7 a.m. to 8 a.m.: Raising of the flags on Pitt Street.
Noon May 28 to 3 p.m. May 30: Encampments will be located at Beaver Street and state Route 19, including World War II, Vietnam, Civil War and National Guard encampments.
Noon to 6 p.m.: Maneuvers and demonstrations at each of the encampments.
MAY 29
12:30 p.m.: Registration at the encampment site for the One Mile Race through the Flags.
2 p.m.: One Mile Race through the Flags begins, one block north of the courthouse.
Noon to 3 p.m.: Maneuvers and demonstrations two blocks south of the courthouse.
3 to 6:30 p.m.: Patriotic program at the encampment site, including acknowledgments for race winners and encampment winners, keynote speakers and music from the Michaelee Christy Singers.
MAY 30
8 a.m.: Veteran flag raising and breakfast at American Legion Post #159.
9 a.m.: Veteran flag raising at VFW Post #6345.
10 to 11 a.m.: Pre-paid concert with the Wildcat Regiment Band at the courthouse.
11 a.m. to noon: Memorial day parade along Pitt Street, including Pennsylvania 28th Division National Guard band.
12:15 p.m.: Observance at the Citizen's Cemetery at the bottom of Pitt Street, including a 21-round cannon salute, The National Guard Band and the Penn Ohio Singers.
1 to 3 p.m. Community picnic at the encampment grounds, featuring State Street Jazz. Tickets are $6 in advance.
XParking will be available at Brandy Springs Park and Mercer High School. For more information , call 724-662-2786 or e-mail at parade500@yahoo.com.