The traditional commemoration of Memorial Day is May 30, but Memorial Day Weekend will be celebrated this weekend, May 23-26, by families, friends and reunions at the picnic tables and swimming pools of West Virginia state parks and across the state.

Two parks scheduling free concerts and performance Memorial Weekend are North Bend and Beech Fork state parks. The events are open to the public to attend and there is no charge.

• North Bend is fast becoming a bluegrass music hot spot according to Jennifer Cogar, program and activity coordinator.  “Our amphitheater is open air and family friendly. We have a wealth of bluegrass talent in our region and we’re pleased to offer a nice lineup of events at the amphitheater this summer.”  Cogar’s musical guests Memorial Weekend are East Run Band on May 23 and Rocky Mountain Bluegrass on May 24.  Shows begin at 7 p.m. each night and are two hours.  There is no charge to attend. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket for seating.  The events are alcohol free and attendees are asked to not litter the grounds. For more information contact: North Bend State Park (304) 643-2931. North Bend State Park is located in Ritchie County minutes off U.S. Route 50 between Cairo and Harrisville. 
• Beech Fork features Mick Souter on May 24. Souter sings and tells stories that celebrate the people, the history and the beauty of the Mountain State. He performs on many different musical instruments, including the banjo, guitar, dulcimer, fiddle, mandolin, and harmonica.  His performance, “Celebrate West Virginia,” focuses on the heritage of the state. Souter’s performance is at 7 p.m. and will be located at the park’s activities building.  For more information contact Beech Fork State Park, (304) 528-5794. Beech Fork State Park is located in Cabell and Wayne counties and accessible from Interstate 64 near Barboursville. Park locations and directions are online or call the park.

Events and activities are added and posted frequently on the West Virginia State Parks Web page. For monthly information about events, packages or new additions to state parks, subscribe to the e-mail newsletter. For information about West Virginia’s state parks and more events and activities throughout the summer go online, www.wvstateparks.com and click Calendar of Events.