Several local celebrations and observances are planned for Memorial Day weekend this year. Here’s what’s coming up:
<strong>Friday</strong>
Memorial Day weekend in Johnson County kicks off with Discover Downtown Franklin’s annual Strawberries on the Square, beginning at 11 a.m. Friday until supplies are sold out, on the Johnson County courthouse square, 5 E. Jefferson St., Franklin. Enjoy delicious strawberry shortcake, ice cream, whipped topping and bottled water for $5. Other food vendors also will be on hand during the day.
The Artcraft Theatre will host a rummage sale 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday in the parking lot across from theater, 57 N. Main St., Franklin. Proceeds will benefit the Artcraft teen scholarship fund.
Franklin Heritage Inc. will host an estate sale from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 250 N. Water St., Franklin. Items for sale will include toys and books from the ‘80s and ‘90s, vintage goods and more. Proceeds will benefit Franklin heritage, Inc. preservation fund.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title="Story continues below gallery" ]
<strong>Saturday</strong>
The Whiteland VFW’s 12th annual biscuits and gravy breakfast is set for Saturday. The fundraiser supports the Johnson County community van, which assists veterans with local transportation needs. Donations of $3 to $5 for the breakfast will go to the van fund. The breakfast will be served 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the New Whiteland VFW post, 215 U.S. 31, Whiteland. World War II veterans are welcome to eat free.
The Greenwood & Whiteland Veterans Of Foreign Wars and the Greenwood American Legion Posts will jointly sponsor their annual Memorial Day service programs at each of the Greenwood cemeteries on Saturday. The Greenwood and Whiteland honor guard and the Ladies Auxiliaries of each post will present the ceremony. The invocation, the setting of the wreath, rifle volley and Taps will be conducted in each of the five local cemeteries at the flagpole area. The community is invited to take part in honoring all local military veterans. Services will begin at 9 a.m. at Rock Lane Cemetery followed at 9:30 a.m. by Greenwood Cemetery, 10 a.m. at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 10:30 a.m. Olive Branch Memorial Garden and 11 a.m. at Forest Lawn Cemetery. For more information, call Bob Tuttle, at 317-888-5617 or email him at <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>.
Franklin American Legion is asking for the community’s help to prepare Greenlawn Cemetery for Memorial Day. Volunteers are needed Saturday at the cemetery to help place flags on veterans’ graves. Residents are asked to meet at 10 a.m. at the cemetery office, 100 W. South St., Franklin. The American Legion will conduct a small program with a rifle volley and Taps by a bugler. Flags will be distributed to volunteers to be placed on the graves of all military veterans. This service is open to all. For information, call Bryon Thompson at 317-443-1183 or Larry Bundy at 317-736-3680.
Mallow Run Winery will begin the summer season with the first Pizza and Wine Night on Saturday. The evening will be 5-9 p.m., with live music by Cari Ray from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mallow Run Winery, 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville. Bring your lawn chairs and picnic blankets, spread out on the lawn, and enjoy pizza by the slice with your favorite wine. Admission is free. Learn more at mallowrun.com.
<strong>Sunday</strong>
Mallow Run will have live Music on the Patio from 2 to 5 p.m. May 28 by The Tides. Enjoy laid-back music and summer snacks on the patio. Winery open noon to 6 p.m. Free admission. mallowrun.com
<strong>Monday</strong>
Ss. Francis & Clare Catholic Church, 5901 W. Olive Branch Rd, Greenwood, will conduct its 14th annual Memorial Day Service Monday. The service will start at 8:45 a.m. with patriotic music, followed by a special Mass with prayers and ceremonies honoring veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. After the Mass, attendees will walk to the flagpole where flags will be lowered to half-mast, as well as a playing of Taps, three rifle volleys, and the singing of the national anthem. Refreshments will be served in St. Clare Hall. In case of inclement weather, the events will be moved to the hall. This event is open to the public and all are welcome.
The Franklin American Legion also will host a Memorial Day ceremony at the Johnson County Courthouse at 11 a.m. Monday, with a pitch-in at the post following. Franklin American Legion Post 205 is located at 1200 Park Ave. Call 317-738-9934 for more information.
Mallow Run will host another Music on the Patio from 2 to 5 p.m. May 29 with live music by Acoustic Catfish May 29. The winery is at 6964 W. Whiteland Road, Bargersville. Information: mallowrun.com