RAPID RIVER –As Memorial Day approaches, the town of Rapid River prepares for its 51st annual celebration, which includes services to honor fallen members of the United States Armed Forces, a parade on South Main Street and plenty of activities and vendors gathered in Masonville Township Park. The events will occur Monday, May 27, and the theme for this year’s celebration as a whole is “home of the free because of the brave.”

The American Legion Post 301 will begin their morning at 8 a.m. with memorial services and flag planting for veterans buried at Ogontz Cemetery. From there, they continue to perform the same at the cemeteries in Moss Lake, Nahma, Stonington, and finally Rapid River, which is scheduled for 11:15 a.m.

Meanwhile, a kickball tournament is to be organized in Masonville Township Park. Depending on how many teams enter, the timing of the games will be determined that morning but should start after 10 a.m. Play will pause for the parade, the cornerstone of the celebration.

The Rapid River Lions Club will begin serving food at 10 a.m.

On South Main Street, flag raising will be at noon. At 12:15 p.m. comes the crowning of the queen; this year’s candidates are Carrigan Flath, Abbigail Hardwick, Madison LaCrosse, Amber Proehl and Emma Sundling. The grand marshall selection will be at 12:45 p.m.

Marking the start of parade will be a sound-off from the Masonville Township Fire Department in honor of Russ Poma, formerly a member of their ranks. Immediately following that siren at 1 p.m., the parade will begin to head north on South Main Street toward U.S. 2.

Floats, community vehicles, local organizations and classic cars will amble up Rapid’s main drag for the parade. The route can tend to get quite crowded, so people who want a good view are urged to find a good spot prior to 1 p.m. Prizes for best floats will be awarded afterwards.

Activity shifts to the park — which, for newcomers, is located east of South Main, where Cole and Pine Streets meet — at 2 p.m. The celebration there features a beer garden from 2 to 5 p.m.; vendors of food and goods; sales of raffle tickets and event merch; petting zoo; photo booth and more.

A barbecue competition, also in the park, will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. The first 25 people to buy tickets get to judge; subsequent purchases are just for eating. Barbecue ticket sales will go benefit Upper Peninsula Honor Flight and American Legion Post 301.

At 3 p.m. there shall be a moment of silence, followed by the playing of Taps to honor fallen service men and women.

Raffle drawing will be at the Lions Club at 4 p.m.

Events of the day are all sponsored by the local Lions Club and American Legion.