Wilmette Memorial Day 2018: What's Open, Closed, Parade Route

WILMETTE, IL — Memorial Day weekend combines the official kickoff to summer with a chance to honor those veterans of the armed forces, including those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in service of the United States. Since the tradition began 150 years ago to commemorate those who died in the Civil War, the federal holiday has evolved into a time for cookouts, parades and weekend getaways.

Here's a look at what's open, closed and happening in New Trier Township on Memorial Day 2018:

Wilmette Memorial Day Parade
The village's Memorial Day parade takes place at 10:30 a.m. Monday, starting at St. Joseph School at Ridge and Lake and goes east on Lake Avenue to Park Avenue, then south on Park to Wilmette Avenue before heading east on Wilmette to Village Hall. Following the parade, a memorial ceremony will be held at Village Hall.

Winnetka Memorial Day Parade
The Village of Winnetka's 91st annual Memorial Day parade and observance begins at the corner of Glendale and Elm streets at 10 a.m. Sunday. The procession heads east to Village Green Park, where the parade will be followed immediately by a ceremony at the park, which will be moved into the Skokie School auditorium in case of bad weather. The event is expected to last until 11:30 a.m.

Glencoe Memorial Day Ceremony
The Village of Glencoe and the Glencoe Historical Society will commemorate members of the armed services who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country. A solemn ceremony set for 11 a.m. at Veterans' Memorial Park at 299 Park Ave. will be led by religious, community leaders, Boy and Girl scouts and local students. The event will include flag-raising, wreath laying and a salute to Glencoe veterans. In case of bad weather, the event will be moved into the Takiff Center, 999 Green Bay Rd.

Government Buildings

• The Wilmette Public Library will be closed Sunday and Monday.
• Non-essential public employees will have the day off.
• Postal service will not be available.

Transportation

• CTA will run on a weekend schedule.
• Metra will begin offering free rides to children through Labor Day.

Business

• Most supermarkets will be open, though some, like Costco, give their employees the day off.
• Many retailers offer special Memorial Day sales and deals for veterans.

Services

• No residential refuse or recycling collection will take place Monday, with pickups pushed back by a day for the rest of the week. Yard waste will be collected Wednesday for the entire village.

More:

• Catholic Cemeteries Remember The Brave With Memorial Day Masses
• Chicagoland Guide to Memorial Day Fests, Parades, Ceremonies

Top photo via Shutterstock