This upcoming Memorial Day weekend certainly seems different than ones in the past. And, of course, it’s all due to the coronavirus.

Our family won’t be visiting relatives this coming weekend. Instead, we’ll have a backyard BBQ with just our household members. Long Island is still pretty much socially distancing, so we’re certainly not going anywhere.

And it seems like a lot of other people won’t be going very far either. (Of course, what you’re able to do this weekend depends on the conditions in your local area.)

How are you planning to spend your Memorial Day weekend? Let us know in the comments section toward the bottom of this page.

Going Nowhere This Weekend?

The American Automobile Association, for the first time in 20 years, is NOT issuing a Memorial Day travel forecast. The group feels that the accuracy of the economic data used to create the forecast has been undermined by the coronavirus.

Last year, 43 million Americans traveled for Memorial Day Weekend, which was the second-highest travel volume on record since AAA began tracking holiday travel volumes in 2000, according to AAA.

Memorial Day 2009 currently holds the record for the lowest travel volume at nearly 31 million travelers, according to AAA. That holiday weekend, which came toward the end of the Great Recession, 26.4 million Americans traveled by car, 2.1 million by plane and nearly 2 million by other forms of transportation (train, cruise, etc.).

Memorial Day Events Cancelled

Memorial Day has long been a time to honor the sacrifice that many military members have made for the country. But, unfortunately, many areas have had to cancel their Memorial Day parades and other events.

For instance, on Long Island the Air Show at Jones Beach State Park planned for Memorial Day weekend has been postponed until next year. The annual multi-day event is very popular, as an estimated 368,000 people attended last year.

What You Can Do This Memorial Day Weekend

But, according to lancastercountymag.com, there are many things you can still do during Memorial Day weekend.

  • Have a BBQ and play lawn games like horseshoes or cornhole. You can even use sidewalk chalk to make your driveway a patriotic sight for people passing by.
  • Honor those in your life who died in combat or those who served and are no longer with us. Visit their graves or find your own way to honor them throughout the weekend. Watch their favorite TV show, eat their favorite foods, or listen to their favorite songs.
  • Get outdoors and so something!
  • Set up a video party with those you normally would spend the holiday with and keep the tradition going.
  • Watch the National Memorial Day Concert on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET, which will be broadcasted by PBS.
  • Gather around a campfire, roasting marshmallows and telling stories.
  • Create your own parade. Work with your neighbors to create a social distancing parade where each family gets in their own car and parades around the neighborhood with patriotic gear or signs of support.

Whatever you do, before making any Memorial Day plans outside of your home, make sure you are familiar with your local regulations. Many areas have reopened, but others may be continuing the stay-at-home order to minimize the spread of coronavirus.

Scan Your Purchases

  • If you’re able to go out and you find a good Memorial Day sale, please record anything you purchase.
  • Scan all of your BBQ-related purchases, including charcoal, lighter fluid, condiments (mustard, ketchup, barbecue sauce, etc.), paper products, and even insect repellent and sunscreen.

PSC Info For Memorial Day

In commemoration of Memorial Day, the Panel Support Center will be closed on Monday, May 25. The PSC will reopen on Tuesday, May 26.

I hope you’re able to enjoy the long weekend. Please remember those who served and lost their lives fighting for this country.

Best Regards,
Taylor