Memorial Day Weekend in the Shelburne Falls Area

Shelburne Falls Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony
Monday, May 26, 2025 | 10:00 AM

Join the community of Shelburne Falls for the annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony, honoring the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

The parade steps off at 10:00 AM from McCusker’s Market, led by the oldest continuously operating military band in the United States. It features local veterans, community groups, and civic organizations. As the procession crosses the Iron Bridge, it will pause for a solemn tradition: a wreath-laying ceremony on the Deerfield River to honor sailors lost at sea.

The parade concludes at Arms Cemetery with a formal remembrance ceremony around 10:30 AM. This year, the Shelburne Falls Memorial Day Committee will pay special tribute to Specialist Ronald Wissman, who gave his life in Vietnam on May 21, 1967, while serving with the U.S. Army’s First Infantry Division in Binh Duong Province.

Born on June 18, 1946, SPC Wissman served with honor and distinction, earning numerous decorations, including:
★ Purple Heart
★ Combat Infantryman Badge
★ Marksmanship Badge
★ National Defense Service Medal
★ Vietnam Campaign Medal
★ Vietnam Service Medal
★ Army Presidential Unit Citation
★ Vietnam Gallantry Cross

Speakers at the cemetery will include State Senator Paul Mark and David Wissman Jr., who will speak on behalf of his uncle.

The Memorial Day Committee invites everyone to attend this meaningful event and join in honoring all who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

Monday, May 26 | 8:00 am until 9:00 am

43 Upper St., Buckland

North to cemeteries & Veterans' Memorial corner Charlemont Rd. Buckland

The annual Memorial Day “Hat ‘n Sock Parade” will take place on Memorial Day, Monday May 26th on Upper Street.

The parade will start off as usual at 8 am near 43 Upper Street, with a procession north to the cemeteries, around our church, and ending at the Veterans’ Memorial at the Buckland Historical Museum.

All veterans are encouraged to join the procession and spectators are welcome to gather on sidewalks along the route, on the Common in front of the Church, and at the Memorial.

Mary Lyon Church Memorial Day Parade

Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum – Opening Weekend
Saturday, May 24, Sunday, May 25 and Monday, May 26, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Kick off the season with the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum as it opens for the 2025 season! Enjoy a ride on a historic trolley car and explore engaging exhibits that highlight the rich transportation history of the region.

Bring the whole family for a fun and educational outing on Saturday, May 24 - Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Trolley rides, model railroads, and hands-on displays make this a favorite local tradition for all ages.

Step back in time—and all aboard for opening weekend!

Catamount Traders May Flea Market
Saturday, May 24 – Monday, May 26, 2025
874 Mohawk Trail, Shelburne Falls

Kick off the season with treasure hunting at the Catamount Traders May Flea Market! Browse a wide variety of vendors offering antiques, collectibles, handmade goods, vintage finds, and more.

Running all Memorial Day weekend—from Saturday, May 24 through Monday, May 26—this popular market is a great stop for curious shoppers, bargain hunters, and anyone looking to support local sellers.

Don’t miss the first flea market of the season at 874 Mohawk Trail!

Saturday, May 24, 2025 | 3:00 PM
Griswold Memorial Library, Colrain

Join the community for a special event honoring William Apess, Colrain’s remarkable yet often overlooked Native son. Born in 1798 of mixed racial heritage, Apess became a pioneering voice for Native American rights—a Methodist minister, activist, and author of the first book-length autobiography by a Native American.

The celebration features Wampanoag artist Deborah Spears Moorehead and historian Drew Lopenzina, who will explore Apess’s life, legacy, and enduring influence. Learn about his powerful writings, his advocacy for Indigenous justice in New England, and his first sermon delivered in the Catamount Hill schoolhouse in the 1820s.

Come celebrate the legacy of a trailblazing figure in both Colrain and American history.