This year’s Memorial Day Weekend features favorite events the town has enjoyed for decades and a new musical show for everyone.

The Memorial Day Fair kicks off on Friday May 24 and into high gear for the rest of the weekend, the 5K Road Race runs on Saturday for the 30^th year, and the fire department’s annual Memorial Day Parade takes place on its customary time and route on Monday.

New to the mix is “Route 57 West Fest,” two days at the fair of musical performances by local bands, talented student musicians and talented parent musicians. In the daytime, acts include dance troupes and cheer squads.

The production is designed literally as a production, guided by an Emmy Award-winning executive producer and others as both a showcase of Weston talent and a hands-on learning experience for the many students involved in staging it.

By the way, at press time sponsorship opportunities still exist for Route 57 West Fest.

After the 7½-minute movie below — a look back at 2022’s Memorial Day Weekend — details follow about the 5K, Fair, and Parade.

The 5K, Saturday May 25

Hundreds of runners, joggers, walkers, and even babies in strollers take part in the 5K Road Run/Walk each year. The USATF certified scenic course goes around the center of town. Trophies and prizes are awarded in several categories. Runners start at 8:30 am, walkers at 8:35.

The morning starts at 8:00 on the high school track with a Kids’ Fun Run and obstacle course, food trucks, and more.

For these events, you can sign up online now or do so in person in the high school cafeteria on Thursday and Friday May 23^rd and 24^th from 3:00 to 6:00 or on race day, May 25^th, from 7:00 to 8:30 am. Sign up early and you get a t-shirt while supplies last.

The Fair, Friday–Monday May 24–27

The always popular Memorial Day Fair is the opening act for Memorial Day Weekend, held as always on the Hurlbutt Elementary School grounds on these days and times:

• Friday, May 24: 6:00–10:00 pm
• Saturday, May 25: 2:00–10:00 pm
• Sunday, May 26: 2:00–10:00 pm
• Monday, May 27: 12:30–4:00 pm

Sensory-friendly editions of the fair run on Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 2:00 both days.

The 5K Road Race and Memorial Day Fair — including its new feature, Route 57 West Fest — are major fundraisers for the PTOs of Weston schools.

The Parade, Monday May 27

The Memorial Day Parade is put on by the Weston Volunteer Fire Department. It begins in front of Weston High School at 10:45, proceeds down School Road to Weston Road (Route 57), then goes up to Norfield Road, hangs a left, and ends at the Town Hall campus.

It’s a good idea to get there early, well before traffic is controlled on the route and the best parking spaces are already taken.

After the parade, a memorial ceremony is held at the gazebo around noon. Then, Fire Department volunteers give out free hot dogs at the firehouse, and the Memorial Day Fair begins its final session.