The final weekend day to visit the Pier in St. Petersburg, and a number of free events to honor veterans are on tap today as Tampa Bay area residents celebrate Memorial Day.
After a weekend of festivities at the Pier, today’s final event features live music from The Tempests (1:30 p.m.) and Grateful Dead cover band Uncle John’s Band (7 p.m.), an evening drum circle, two water ski shows (noon and 2:30) and a fireworks display after sundown, culminating with confetti cannons showering the crowd.
All of The Pier’s restaurants are open today, as well as the Pier Aquarium, and gift shops, many of them offering large discounts.
The Pier is scheduled to be demolished in August.
Here’s a sampling of other events scheduled for today:
More than 3,000 people are expected to attend a Memorial Day service at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., in St. Petersburg. It is the only national cemetery in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties.
Active military and their families can enjoy free skating at United Skates, 5121 N. Armenia Ave. in Tampa. From 2 to 5 p.m. or 6 – 8:30 p.m., active military with valid ID and up to three family members will be admitted free for roller skating in honor of Memorial Day. The free admission deal includes skate rental.
Any active duty, activated, retired, drilling reservist or National Guardsman will be admitted free to the Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave. A Department of Defense photo I.D. will be required at the ticket window. As many as three direct dependants of military personnel will also be allowed in free. Gates open at 9:30 a.m.
Military personnel will be admitted free today at the Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Drive in Tampa. This includes active duty or retired military, drilling reservist or National Guardsmen; they will be treated to two free admission tickets with ID.
The Glazer Children’s Museum gives kids a chance to have some fun during today’s Family Fun Carnival Day. The Museum will also be open for families to enjoy more than 170 interactivities and exhibits.
Ikea is offering activities for children. Kids ages 12 and younger can enjoy a free American flag craft activity, plus get a T-shirt and meal at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. The store is located at 1103 N. 22nd St. in Tampa.
