Waterloo
New York
Celebrate Commemorate Memorial Day 2022
Arts and Entertainment
May 10, 2022
From: Celebrate Commemorate Memorial DayThe Celebrate Commemorate event for 2022, is on!!
This decision did not come lightly and was thoroughly vetted by the multiple public agencies whose permissions were required.
The May 30th Commemorative Memorial Day ceremonies will be allowed, with the appropriate COVID regulations in place at that time.
The committee has been working for several months to organize and reimagine the 2022 event. This group of volunteers deserves a heartfelt thank you for their efforts, not only now but for the past 20 years of family friendly events provided for the community.
This community event requires many volunteers. If you would like to help out and volunteer some time, please fill out the form below & someone will contact you directly.
On a spring day in 1865, Waterloo, NY druggist Henry C. Welles watched as a lone widow walked to the cemetery to place flowers on the grave of her deceased Civil War soldier husband. How soon they forget, Welles thought, resolving to do something to make sure that those who gave their lives in defense of their country would not be forgotten. Working with Gen. John B. Murray, Welles planned the first Memorial Day in Waterloo in 1866, and for 150 consecutive years, Waterloo’s citizens have remembered. With parades, prayers and ceremonies.
On May 26, 1966, that consistency inspired President Lyndon Johnson to sign a Presidential Proclamation recognizing Waterloo as the official Birthplace of Memorial Day.
“I am humbled by the patriotism in this little Upstate village of about 5000 people, my hometown” said Jane Shaffer. “As co-chair of Celebrate Commemorate for the past 18 years, it has been my privilege to work with the committee of nearly 40 volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to honoring our veterans.”
The 23rd annual Celebrate Commemorate observance during the weekend of May 27-29 & 30th, will bring thousands of people “home” to Waterloo to participate events to delight every family member. They include musical performances, Art and Craft shows, children’s games, a youth essay contest, and a big parade celebrating our freedom at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 28th. The parade will feature wounded warriors from the VA Hospital in Canandaigua, escorted by scores of Patriot Guard and American Legion motorcycle riders, bands, floats, and military groups including National Guard and active military troops.
Those attending the festivities in Lafayette Park are reminded that while everyone is invited….
Pets are not welcome!
and the event is alcohol free.
Special thanks to:
The National Park Service at Women’s Rights National Historical Park is pleased to be a sponsor of Waterloo’s Celebrate Commemorate Memorial Day 2022 event building relationships with the communities we serve. We hope to see you at the National Park Service’s Waterloo site, the M’Clintock House, at 14 East Williams Street.
In Lafayette Park there will be food available. Chicken BBQ’s will be available on Saturday & Sunday as well as an assortment of food booths with a variety of meals and treats for everyone!
During Celebrate Commemorate weekend, Waterloo will again host Civil War reenactors. Groups will gather from throughout the Eastern United States, including infantry, signal crops, artillery, and fraternal organizations such as the Grand Army of the Republic and it’s Allied Orders; Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW), Daughters of the Union Veterans of the Civil War 1861-1865 (DUVCW), Auxiliary to the Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War (ASUVCW), including two Past Presidents of the DUVCW. The Confederate counterparts have been invited and will share in our commemoration.
There will be encampments with reenactors presenting Living Histories of Civil War camp life including many events such as camp cooking, children’s crafts, military training and drills, a Grand Review with President Lincoln, presentations by Civil War surgeons, morticians, sutlers, photographers, artillery with cannon fire, commands by Harriet Tubman and support by the Christian Commission and the Sanitary Commission. Frederick Douglass will share his address as given at Arlington Cemetery on Decoration Day.
Special “dignitaries” will include President Lincoln portrayed by Fritz Kline, Harriet Tubman (Carolyn Evans), Frederick Douglass (Michael E. Crutcher Sr.), Dr. Mary Walker and spy Belle Boyd ( Marilyn Dirk), Northern sympathizer Elizabeth Van Lew (Nancy Karasinski), mortician (Don Williams), Rev. Scott ( Marty Hillman).
During the Civil War, the Village of Waterloo was not only committed to supporting the Union efforts, but also was well positioned in the Underground Railroad with several houses being used as stations for runaway slaves. The village also was the Birthplace of the Women’s Rights movement. The M’Clintock House was the sight of the planning session for the First Women’s Rights Convention kicking off the largest social movement in American history. Elizabeth Cady Stanton and several others drafted a document they called the Declaration of Sentiments, ratified on the second day of the convention, which proclaimed that “all men and women are created equal” and women must have the right to vote. Located at 14 East Williams Street, this National Park Service site will be offering interpretive programs and costumed interpretation throughout the day.
On May 30, which Waterloo always observes as Memorial Day in keeping with Logan’s Orders, children will decorate graves of veterans, there will be prayer services in the village cemeteries, the village’s VFW and American Legion will conduct a military parade at 4 pm. Ceremonies in Lafayette Park will feature government officials and special dignitaries.
The Arts & Craft Show is a popular tradition at our Celebrate Commemorate event. We welcome back our returning crafts people and extend an invitation to new vendors. We allow artisans, crafters and direct sales vendors.
May 28 & 29, 2022
Craft Show Questions Please Contact:
Patti Paine [email protected] 315-224-3826
For information about becoming a food vendor please contact:
Conrad Struzik [email protected] 315-246-3041
Waterloo Memorial Day Celebration
The Celebrate/Commemorate Memorial Day Committee hosts many village-wide events and exhibits.
FOR THE VILLAGE OF WATERLOO PURPLE HEART WALL OF HONOR DEDICATION Please join us in recognizing the brave service members ...
Visitor Information/Merchandise is available in the center of Lafayette Park. Stop by to pinpoint your state on the giant map, or to learn about ...
Start practicing now!!! “Sponsored by Ciccino’s Pizzeria”
The Henry C. Welles award honors those individuals who “embody the character and commitment of the founder of Memorial Day ...
Fireworks, by Pyrotecnico – Oak Island, Saturday May 28th, 9:30pm
Here's a clip of the 2016 Grand Finale!! ...
Saturday May 28th 12:00 - 12:20 pm Lafayette Park Stage Come & join us for a great show in LaFayette Park ...
Saturday May 28th, 10:30 a.m. at the 4 Corners of Main Street Seneca Soundwaves Chorus of Sweet Adelines International performs locally at ...
Food, Food, Food for Everyone!
At 4pm on Saturday May 28th: Patriot Pizza Eating Contest sponsored by Ciccinos Pizzeria! FOOD CONCESSIONS: Food Vendor list: First ...
Illumination and Remembrance Ceremony
The AMERICAN CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL Remembers the fifty-eight men of Waterloo who died in the Civil War (1861-1865) and recognizes ...
Kid’s Korner & Tee Shirts! (Located on Williams Street behind the Main Street School)
Stop in the Kid’s Korner tent. Get busy and create. It’s fun.And – for $5.00- you can design and take home ...
The Cornell Cooperative Extension Culinary Tent
"The Culinary tent is a great resource to learn about foods grown and produ
2022 Celebrate Commemorate Parade May 28th
Waterloo Remembers Some Suggested Parade Etiquette for those attending Parade Co-Chair - Sarah Smolinski 315.745.9928 [email protected] Parade Co-Chair - Nicole ...
EXTRAVA”CAN”ZA 2022-Sat. May 28 & Sun. May 29
You can help the Waterloo Rotary Club fight hunger locally by joining us in a little friendly competition called EXTRAVA"CAN"ZA ...
Tribute To The Fallen – 5K Run/Walk
Same Great Course!
Join us for a morning run at 8:30 AM.
You will have the rest of the day to enjoy all of the Memorial Day Celebration activities around Waterloo.
You can even make the big parade that starts at 11:00 AM.
Hundreds of runners are expected to participate in the 14th annual Celebrate/Commemorate 5k walk and run.
USAT Certified Course!
Wheels on Main Street Car Show – 9 am to 4 pm on Sunday, May 29th
Cars, cars cars! Wheels on Main Street, the Celebrate Commemorate
car show gets bigger and better every year!
And this year’s 23rd annual event will be outstanding.
Wheels on Main Street (Car Show) Application – Printable!
Classic, sports and antique cars will return to Waterloo on Memorial Day weekend
Registration 9:00 – 11:00
Show 11:00 – 4:00
2022 Dash Plaque
Wheels on Main Street (Car Show) Application – Printable!
The event is being coordinated by Mike Scaglione, Bob and Bev Good, Gary and Donna Stengle, and committee. Join the crowds who stroll down Main Street from 9 am to 4 pm on Sunday, May 26th to see the lovingly restored classic and antique autos, the hot rods and stock cars that used to race at the fairgrounds, sports cars, vintage tractors, and of course the Woodies that come home every year to the village where they were manufactured.
Michael Scaglione at [email protected]
Saturday, May 28, 2022 8:30 AM EDT
Fees: Pre-Registration Postmarked by May 13th– $30.00
Children age 12 and under: $15.00
No Mail-In Registration after May 13th. Race Day Registration–$35.00
Children under the age of 12: $15.00
Waterloo Memorial Day Course is open to runners and walkers.
To register or for more information, contact
Kevin Shelley [email protected]
5K Paper Registration for mailing
Packet Pickup and race registration will be at the
Waterloo Senior High School, times are:
Friday 5:00-8:00 PM, Saturday May 28, 2022 7:00-8:15 AM
Annual Veteran’s Biker Rally
13th Annual Memorial Day Veteran’s Biker Rally
Sponsored by:
Waterloo Container, Sessler Co. and Molly M. Headley Ins.
Monday, May 30th, 2022
Lead by the Patriot Guard Riders of NY
and
The Waterloo Legion Riders
13th Annual Bike Rally Registration Form
One of the most popular features of Celebrate Commemorate is our annual Biker Rally. The rally will be held on Monday, May 30, and is expected to attract 300 riders. Entry forms are available here, or participants may register at the VFW, 29 West Elisha St., from 8 to 10 a.m. the morning of the ride. Led by riders of the New York Patriot Guard and Waterloo Legion Riders, bikers from throughout the area are invited to join the “Ride for Respect” to pay tribute to our troops. Riders will leave the VFW at 10 a.m. under the direction of ride captain Nigel Heaton of the New York Patriot Guard Riders. They will return to the VFW by about 2 p.m. where a buffet luncheon will be available.
Friends and families are welcome to attend. A merchandise table will offer souvenirs for sale.
$30per rider /$15 passenger
(Includes Ride and Meal)
Ride with us through the beautiful Finger Lakes Region this Memorial Day and show your support for those who served to protect our freedoms! Return to the Waterloo VFW for a Buffet Lunch!
8:00am – 10:00am – Registration at Waterloo VFW
10:00am – 2:00pm – Scenic Ride through the Finger Lakes Region
Return to Waterloo VFW for a Buffet Lunch
*Purple Heart dedication ceremony in LaFayette Park at 4:30
Questions? Chris Shaffer days @ 315-539-3353, evenings/weekends 315-719-8106
e-mail: [email protected]
Date & Time: May 27-29, 2022
156th Consecutive
Memorial Day Observance
May 30, 2022
Location: Lafayette Park, Routes 5 & 20 Waterloo, NY
Click here for more information