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(CNN)Here’s a look at Memorial Day, a day honoring American soldiers who died serving the country in wars. It is observed annually in the United States on the last Monday in May.
Facts:
Several towns claim to be the originators of Memorial Day, but in 1966 Congress declared Waterloo, New York, to be the birthplace of the holiday.
Memorial Day originally honored military personnel who died in the Civil War (1861-1865).
The holiday now honors those who died in any war while serving with the United States.
It is also called Decoration Day.
Timeline:
May 5, 1866 – Residents of Waterloo, New York, observe a Memorial Day in honor of all who died during the Civil War. Businesses are closed and soldiers’ graves are decorated.
1868 – General John Alexander Logan officially proclaims May 30, 1868, as Memorial Day in honor of the Union soldiers who died in the Civil War. Until after World War I, southern states celebrated a separate Memorial Day in honor of the Confederate dead.
1971 – Congress declares Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May.
December 28, 2000 – President Bill Clinton signs the “National Moment of Remembrance Act,” which designates 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day each year as the National Moment of Remembrance.
US War Casualties:
Civil War – Approximately 620,000 Americans died. The Union lost almost 365,000 troops and the Confederacy about 260,000. More than half of these deaths were caused by disease.
World War I – 116,516 Americans died, more than half from disease.
World War II – 405,399 Americans died.
Korean War – 36,574 Americans died.
Vietnam Conflict – 58,220 Americans died.
Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm – 383 service members died.
Operation Iraqi Freedom – 4,410 service members died.
Operation New Dawn – 73 service members died.
Operation Enduring Freedom – 2,347 service members died.
Operation Freedom’s Sentinel – 69 service members have died as of May 2019.
Operation Inherent Resolve – 76 service members have died as of May 2019.
Here are the best events and things to do in Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Sebastian, Stuart and Port Salerno.
It’s Memorial Day weekend on the Treasure Coast. If you’re lucky enough not to work the holiday, we’ve included a bonus day of fun for What To Do in 772.
St. Lucie County
The second annual Cider & Beer Festival is 2-5 p.m. Saturday along Second Street in front of Pierced Ciderworks at 411 N. Second St., in Fort Pierce. The festival includes food trucks and 10 new cider flavors. Admission is $15, which includes a souvenir tasting glass. Proceeds benefit MMPS Environmental. Tickets are on sale in the cidery’s taproom. Plus, live music lasts from Friday to Monday. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/piercedcider.
The Food Truck Wars event is noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center at 9221 S.E. Civic Center Place. It includes 40 food trucks from across the state competing for five awards, as well as live music, beer gardens, a children’s area and a splash pad. Admission is free. The cost of food ranges from $3 to $18, and most entrees are $6-$8. Both cash and credit cards are accepted at the food trucks. Bring chairs. For more information, go to foodtruckwars.com.
The Hot Rodding for Heroes: Memorial Weekend Car Show is noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at Summer Crush Vineyard & Winery at 4200 Johnston Road, north of Fort Pierce. The car show of classic and collectible vehicles also includes a musical tribute to all service branches, taps and a toast, as well as live music from Uproot Hootenanny and food trucks. Admission is free. Registration is $10 per car. Proceeds benefit the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum’s Trident House Charities Program. For more information, call 772-460-0500 or go to www.summercrushwine.com.
The Hop Life Brewing Company Beer & Food Pairing starts at 7 p.m. Friday at the St. Lucie Trail Golf Club’s upstairs Lakeview Terrace at 951 S.W. Country Club Drive in Port St. Lucie. The cost is $35 per person and includes a five-course plated pairing. Seating is limited. To make a reservation, call 772-336-2507. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/hoplifebrewingcompany.
The Memorial Day at the Museum ceremony is 9 a.m. to noon Monday at the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum at 3300 N. A1A north of Fort Pierce on North Hutchinson Island. For more information, call 772-595-5845 or go to www.navysealmuseum.org.
The Wild & Wacky Floatilla is noon to 5 p.m. Monday at Little Jim Bait & Tackle at 601 N. Causeway in Fort Pierce. It includes live music, beer specials, giveaways and a prize for the best float. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/littlejimbaitandtackle.
Get involved in the Vero Beach centennial year with a keepsake, a hardbound coffee-table book featuring the headlines, black-and-white and color pictures of the people, places, and events documented on TCPalm.com and your local newspaper since 1919. KELLY ROGERS/TCPALM
The Founders’ Day Centennial Tree Dedication starts at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at MacWilliam Park at 3361 Bridge Plaza Drive in Vero Beach. It recognizes the city’s incorporation in 1919. Then, the Family Day Celebration is 2-4 p.m. at Riverside Theatre at 3250 Riverside Park Drive. It features food trucks, religious booths, live music and children’s activities, including games and face painting. For more information, call 772-567-4341 or go to www.verobeach100.org.
The Space Coast Symphony’s Cosmic Trilogy starts at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center at 1707 16th St. The program highlights the group’s innovative film trilogy and partnership with NASA for “The Planets,” “The Earth” and now “The Cosmos.” It features images of distant galaxies, nebulae and other astronomical wonders. Admission is $25 each but free for ages 18 and younger. Doors open one hour in advance. For more information, go to spacecoastsymphony.org.
The 12th annual Earl’s Fest starts Friday and lasts through Monday at Earl’s Hideaway at 1405 Indian River Drive in Sebastian. It includes live music from 10 bands. Enjoy food and drinks for sale at the motorcycle-friendly restaurant. For more information, call 772-589-5700 or go to earlshideaway.com.
The “Words From War” Monument Charity Bar is 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday at Waldo’s Bar & Grill at the Driftwood at 3150 Ocean Drive in Vero Beach. Proceeds from $10 voodoo buckets and $5 beers benefit the Iraq-Afghanistan memorial monument that will stand at the entrance to Veterans Memorial Island at Riverside Park. The event also includes live music and raffles. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/nextgenveteransinc.
The Memorial Day Ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Island Sanctuary is 9-10:30 a.m. Monday next to Riverside Park at 3200 Riverside Park Drive in Vero Beach, south of the Barber Bridge. Bring lawn chairs and arrive early. If weather conditions are bad, the ceremony will be moved to the Vero Beach High School Performing Arts Center. For more information, call 772-410-5820 or go to www.facebook.com/veteranscouncilirc.
The 5K Race to Remember in memory of Tim Collins is 7:30-9 a.m. Monday at South Beach Park at 1706 Ocean Drive in Vero Beach. Collins, who passed away May 31, 2018, was an avid runner and loyal sponsor of the Run Vero Race Series. Registration is $25 and ends at 4 p.m. Friday. For more information, go to runsignup.com/race/FL/verobeach/5kracetorememberinmemoryoftimcollins.
The Stuart Police Community Fun Day and Safety Event is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Park at 300 S.E. Ocean Blvd., in Stuart. Admission is free. A $10 wristband for ages 6 and older and a $5 wristband for ages 2-6 get kids unlimited access to activities, including a rock wall, an inflatable obstacle course, a toddler adventure ship, carnival games and snow cones. Kids younger than 2 are free. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/spoastuart.
The Luau Paddle & Party is 5-9 p.m. Sunday at Flying Fish Paddle Sports at 4969 S.E. Dixie Highway in Stuart. The Hawaiian-themed group paddle begins at 5 p.m. The best outfit wins $50 and prizes. Then, dinner begins at 6 p.m. and includes Sailfish Brewing Company beer, party favors and live music. The cost for the paddle is $15 if you need a board and $10 if you have your own. Proceeds benefit the Surfrider Foundation Treasure Coast Chapter. Dinner is $12, except kids ages 5 and younger eat free. To make a reservation, call 772-486-7454. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/surfridertreasurecoast.
The fifth anniversary Memorial Day Weekend Bash at The Twisted Tuna starts Friday and lasts through Monday at 4290 S.E. Salerno Road in Port Salerno. It features live music, a late-night DJ, dancing, giveaways, drink specials, an anniversary cake and food for sale, including brunch on Sunday and Monday. Plus, it’s the second anniversary of The Twisted Craft & Creamery at 4745 S.E. Desoto Ave. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/thetwistedtuna.
The Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony at Memorial Park starts at 10 a.m. at 300 S.E. Ocean Blvd., in Stuart. The event is dedicated to the men and women who sacrificed their lives in defense of this nation. The parade begins at Southeast Amerigo Avenue on East Ocean Boulevard and ends at Memorial Park, where a ceremony begins at 11 a.m. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/veteranscouncilmartincounty.
Laurie K. Blandford is TCPalm’s entertainment reporter and columnist dedicated to finding the best things to do on the Treasure Coast. Read her weekly column, Laurie’s Stories, on TCPalm.com. Follow her on Twitter at @TCPalmLaurie or Facebook at faceboook.com/TCPalmLaurie.
Homeowners wanting to maximize the appraisal value of their home should think about outside space.
Even though kitchens and bathrooms will have an upward effect on values, the Appraisal Institute says outdoor improvement projects will have a larger benefit.
“The latest research shows that home renovations focused on the exterior of a property are most likely to generate a positive cost-to-value ratio,” said Appraisal Institute President Stephen S. Wagner, MAI, SRA, AI-GRS. “However, not all home improvement projects offer a full return on investment – cost doesn’t necessarily equal value.”
Replacing a garage door or adding a deck will also provide additional value for sellers.
Here are the best events and things to do in Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Stuart and Hobe Sound.
This weekend marks the middle of May. Spring lasts for another month, but these events and things to do across the Treasure Coast sure make it feel like summer. Here’s What To Do in 772.
Indian River County
The American Red Cross Hangar Party is 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday at the Corporate Air Hangar at the Vero Beach Regional Airport at 3450 Airport West Drive. Learn how to prepare for this hurricane season, which starts June 1, and enjoy live music, food and beverages, a silent auction, exhibitors and a children’s zone. Admission is free. Proceeds benefit the local Red Cross to aid in response to disasters ranging from home fires to hurricanes. For more information, call 772-562-2549 or go to redcross.org/hangarparty.
The Boots & Brews outdoor country music concerts are 6-9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday in front of Riverside Theatre at 3250 Riverside Park Drive in Vero Beach. Enjoy live music from two bands, as well as food, beer and cocktails for sale, plus free beer samples from Walking Tree Brewery. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Dress in cowboy or cowgirl attire to enter a raffle. For more information, go to www.riversidetheatre.com.
The Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 99’s Young Eagles event is 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Vero Beach Regional Airport at 3400 Cherokee Drive. Airplane rides are free for kids ages 10-17 with parents or guardians. EAA Chapter 99 has flown 870 kids in the past 20 years. To register, call 772-713-0607. For more information, go to eaa99.org.
Team up with Walking Tree Brewery and Keep Indian River Beautiful for the May Cleanup from 9-11 a.m. Saturday at the Gifford Youth Achievement Center at 4875 43rd Ave., in Vero Beach. Gloves, pickers and buckets are provided. Volunteers get a ticket for a free beer or soda redeemable that day. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/walkingtreebrewery.
IGNITE Wrestling is noon-3 p.m. Saturday at Walking Tree Brewery at 3209 Dodger Road in Vero Beach. The event features multiple matches and includes the IGNITE debut of former IMPACT star Caleb Konley. Tickets are $5-$15 plus fees. For more information, go to ignitewrestling.com.
The Splash and Movie Night featuring “Aquaman” is 5:45-9:30 p.m. Friday at Sailfish Splash Waterpark at 931 S.E Ruhnke St., in Stuart. Enjoy two hours of waterpark access from 5:45-7:45 p.m. After sunset, watch the movie while floating on an inner tube. Kids ages 12 and younger require adult supervision. Tickets are $12.95 each, plus taxes. The event isn’t included in season passes. If rained out, the makeup date is May 24. To get tickets, go to www.sailfishsplash.com.
Family Movie Night in the Park featuring “Zootopia” is 7-10 p.m. Friday at Sailfish Ballpark at 600 S.E. Georgia Ave., in Stuart. The movie begins at sunset. The night also includes free popcorn, lawn games and trivia. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Admission is free. Bring a new or gently used life jacket to donate to the YMCA for Water Safety Month. For more information, call 772-288-5340.
The Treasure Coast Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation’s Hands Across the Sand is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Stuart Beach at 866 N.E. Ocean Blvd. Participate in a beach cleanup starting at 9 a.m. and learn about the issues of seismic airgun blasting and offshore drilling in the Atlantic Ocean. Paddle out with your surfboard, kayak or paddleboard starting at 10 a.m. Join hands in solidarity starting at noon for 15 minutes, forming a continuous line in the sand. For more information, go to handsacrossthesand.org.
The Avant-Garden Party, an outdoor benefit for the Arts Council of Martin County, is 3-9 p.m. Saturday at 130 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., at Dixie Highway in downtown Stuart. Watch four artists paint large-scale murals and enjoy live music, artists and vendors, food trucks, a full bar and garden games. Admission is a $10 donation. For more information, call 772-287-6676 or go to www.martinarts.org.
Club Scrub’s Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at the Camp Murphy Trail Head at Jonathan Dickinson State Park at 16450 S.E. Federal Highway in Hobe Sound. The day introduces kids and their families to mountain biking and features guided trail rides for all ages, snacks, beverages, goodie bags, raffles and a free barbecue lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The park entrance fee is $6 per vehicle for up to eight people. Kids must bring their own bikes, helmets and closed-toe shoes and come with adults. To register, go to clubscrub.org.
The U. S. Coast Guard Station’s third annual Open House and Community Appreciation Day is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 900 Seaway Drive in Fort Pierce. Tour the boats, touch the gear and see live demonstrations from local law enforcement agencies, including the K-9 unit. The event kicks off National Safe Boating Week, which is Saturday through May 24. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/uscgstationfortpierce.
The Lincoln Park Advisory Committee Family Fun Day is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Percy Peek Gymnasium at 2902 Avenue D in Fort Pierce. The day includes children’s activities, music, face painting, bounce houses and food for sale. Admission is free. The subcommittee of the Roundtable of St. Lucie County coordinates programs and initiatives across Lincoln Park to help the Restoring the Village Youth Initiative. For more information, call 772-466-4766.
Pet Supermarket’s grand opening in Port St. Lucie is 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at 3015 S.W. Port St. Lucie Blvd. The event includes refreshments, samples of dog food and treats, pet-themed raffles and giveaways, face painting for kids and dogs and cats available for adoption. The first 25 paying customers get a free bag of dog food. For more information, call 772-408-1800 or go to www.petsupermarket.com.
The Haitian Flag Day Festival is 2-10 p.m. Saturday at the Port St. Lucie Civic Center at 9221 S.E. Civic Center Place. The festival includes live music and DJs. Admission is free. The organization’s purpose is to bring the Haitian community together, promote Haiti’s art and culture and educate about the history of Haiti. For more information, call 772-240-3039 or go to www.facebook.com/treasurecoastculturalfestival.
The Memorial Day Beach Cleanup is 8-10 a.m. Saturday at the Smithsonian Marine Station and Ecosystems Exhibit at the St. Lucie County Aquarium at 420 Seaway Drive in Fort Pierce. Pickers, gloves and buckets are provided. Registration isn’t required. Aquarium admission isn’t included. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/smithsoniansms.
Laurie K. Blandford is TCPalm’s entertainment reporter and columnist dedicated to finding the best things to do on the Treasure Coast. Read her weekly column, Laurie’s Stories, on TCPalm.com. Follow her on Twitter at @TCPalmLaurie or Facebook at faceboook.com/TCPalmLaurie.
Why it’s bad: Harsh chemical cleaners strip the protective finish off of materials like stone, wood and tile. And soapy products can leave a hazy residue on them. If your counters and flooring are looking dull or worn, you may want to re-evaluate your cleaning routine. Consider a natural solution. Or, opt for cleaners made to suit specific materials.
Bad Habit #2: Building permanent clutter piles.
Why it’s bad: There are lots of reasons to declutter: reduce stress, improve organization, find your keys. But the real reason clutter made our list is the pest factor. When you leave a tower of cardboard boxes or “donate items” in a corner or closet, you’re creating a metropolis for pests. Gnawing rodents, allergen-packed roaches and venomous spiders will feel right at home in undisturbed piles of stuff.
Bad Habit #3: Letting debris down the drain.
Why it’s bad: These days, there are dozens of drain solutions to save you from clogged pipes. If your sinks, tubs and showers drain slowly, you have a problem with an easy fix. But if you let it go for too long, you could end up with some serious plumbing issues. It could cost $100 to $300 to hire a plumber, and rates increase for after-hours emergencies.
Save yourself the service call and prevent clogs from the start:
Don’t put grease or coffee grounds down the drain.
Get a hair catcher for your shower and/or tub.
Regularly clean sink stoppers.
Flush drains regularly with hot water or a non-corrosive drain cleaner.
Don’t overfeed your garbage disposal.
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Bad Habit #4: Ignoring pools of water.
Why it’s bad: Water can pool all around your home’s interior and exterior. And while these little lakes may seem harmless, left unaddressed they could sting you in the wallet later on.
Roof: Water that sits on the roof for an extended period of time erodes roofing materials, adhesives and flashing.
Basement: Pooling water from a leaking water heater is a sign of corrosion and shouldn’t be ignored.
Crawlspace or yard: Standing water in your crawlspace or yard could be a sign of poor drainage or even plumbing issues. If you don’t remedy the cause, you risk extensive mold growth and damage to your home’s foundation.
Bad Habit #5: Putting off air filter changes.
Why it’s bad: Leaving dirty filters in your HVAC system can reduce energy efficiency, run up your utility bill and pollute your indoor air. According to the Department of Energy, replacing dirty air filters can reduce energy consumption by up to 15 percent. Plus, it will save you from having to shell out $2,000 to $6,000 to install a new furnace.
Bad Habit #6: Quick-fixing stains.
Why it’s bad: We don’t always have the time and products we need to properly remove orange juice from the carpet or red wine from a stone countertop. Sometimes, we grab whatever’s under the sink and smudge at the spill until it’s a faded memory (or we cover it with a coaster).
When we do this, we lose our best shot at reversing the damage. The longer the stain sits, the harder it will be to remove when you want to rearrange the furniture or sell your house – whether the stain’s in the flooring, on the countertop or in the curtains.
If this bad habit has already caught up to you, you can purchase a deep-cleaning package to tackle tough stains throughout your home for anywhere from $200 to $500.
Mother’s Day rules this weekend on the Treasure Coast.
Before you celebrate mom — especially with Sunday brunch at one of the many local restaurants offering specials — check out some of the best events with What To Do in 772.
Martin County
The Stuart Heritage Museum Day is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at 161 S.W. Flagler Ave., in downtown Stuart, as part of the Martin County Historic Preservation Month. The day includes special tours of exhibits and artifacts at the museum, book signings, local jewelry creations, a silent auction, a raffle for a mint condition 1928 book on the Ashley Gang and tram tours throughout downtown Stuart locations led by Sandy Thurlow at 11:30 a.m. and Alice L. Luckhardt at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tours spots are limited. Sign up by calling 772-220-4600.
Celebrate Mother’s Day at The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast with free admission for all types of moms from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at 1707 N.E. Indian River Drive in Jensen Beach. Mothers and grandmothers also can enjoy light refreshments, a flowery gift and a complimentary coffee bar by Bunkhouse Coffee Bar. For everyone else, admission is $8.50 for ages 3 and older, $4.25 for ages 1-2 and free for kids younger than 1. For more information, call 772-225-7575 or go to www.childrensmuseumtc.org.
The Treasure Coast Flute Choir’s Mother’s Day Concert is 1-2:30 p.m. Sunday at Ground Floor Farm at 100 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., in Stuart. The free concert features a range of instruments and a variety of music. Go early to visit the farm and enjoy brunch. For more information, call 772-600-4230 or go to www.groundfloorfarm.com.
The Mother’s Day Butterfly Release remembering all children gone too soon starts at 3 p.m. Sunday at Memorial Park at 300 S.E. Ocean Blvd., in Stuart. The free event includes guest speakers and refreshments. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/madisonsmiracles01.
The second annual Wine, Film + Fashion event at the Vero Beach Outlets is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday near the Banana Republic Factory Store at 1748 94th Drive, just west of Interstate 95. The event, which is the official kickoff to the Vero Beach Wine + Film Festival on June 6-9, includes a fashion show at 1 p.m., four official trailer preview screenings, complimentary beverages and shopping discounts. For more information, call 772-770-6097 or go to verobeachoutlets.com.
The Deep Dive into the Lagoon through Literacy event at the Indian River County Main Library is 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at 1600 21st St., in Vero Beach. Learn how to care for the Indian River Lagoon through hands-on STEAM and literacy activities at the free event for kids ages 4-13. Take part in creating a community mural, take a photo with a mermaid and win prizes. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/moonshotmoment.
The Diez de Mayo Fiesta at the Market is 3-5 p.m. Saturday at 1865 14th Ave., in Vero Beach. The party includes a mariachi band, a taco truck and Corona specials. For more information, call 772-226-5893 or go to marketverobeach.com.
The Butterfly Gardening Seminar at Busy Bee Lawn & Garden Center is 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at 7445 U.S. 1 in Vero Beach. Learn how to establish and properly care for a butterfly garden, as well as which plants to choose based on the type of butterflies you want to attract, at the center’s last class of the season. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/busybeegardencenter.
The Spring into Gardening Festival with the St. Lucie County Master Gardener Volunteers is 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the University of Florida’s IFAS Extension at 8400 Picos Road, west of Fort Pierce. The festival includes plant vendors, horticulture merchants, a plant fashion show, a taste of the tropics and garden tours. For more information, call 772-462-1660 or go to stlucie.ifas.ufl.edu.
The St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce’s Fishing Frenzy and Festival is 2-6 p.m. Saturday at Causeway Cove Marina at 601 Seaway Drive in Fort Pierce. It includes music, food, games, prizes and a weigh-in from the offshore dolphin-only fishing tournament. For more information, call 772-595-9999 or go to stluciechamber.org.
The Family Seining in the Seagrasses event at the Smithsonian Marine Station and Ecosystems Exhibit is 9-10:30 a.m. Sunday at the St. Lucie County Aquarium at 420 Seaway Drive in Fort Pierce. Discover some of the animals that live in the seagrass beds of the Indian River Lagoon with a brief presentation inside the aquarium, followed by a seine-netting lesson. Then, enter the water and collect animals in the same way as Smithsonian scientists. Participants must wear clothes that can get wet and water shoes with heel straps. The cost, which includes aquarium admission, is $4-$6 each. To register, call 772-465-3271. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/smithsoniansms.
The Osprey Trail 8K/25K Run at George LeStrange Preserve is 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday at 4911 Ralls Drive in Fort Pierce. The loop-based race takes runners around a lake and through terrain that includes technical single-track winding trails, hard-packed gravel, oak-lined hammocks, oxbows, hills and low-lying flatlands. The cost is $42-$60. There also is a free children’s run. Proceeds benefit the Oxbow Eco-Center’s Earth Day Festival. For more information, go to runtheosprey.com.
Laurie K. Blandford is TCPalm’s entertainment reporter and columnist dedicated to finding the best things to do on the Treasure Coast. Read her weekly column, Laurie’s Stories, on TCPalm.com. Follow her on Twitter at @TCPalmLaurie or Facebook at faceboook.com/TCPalmLaurie.
Everyone makes mistakes. But in home buying? Those mistakes can cost you dearly. Not only can they mean more in costs (think tens of thousands more), but they can also hinder your mortgage loan. Avoid these all-too-common first-time buyer mistakes: for video click HERE
Humming the Coke song on Have a Coke Day on May 8? We’re super into everything the cola has to offer. Come raise a glass with us.
Each year on May 8, millions of people across the country celebrate National Have a Coke Day. Coca-Cola, often referred to as Coke, is a carbonated soft drink that is produced by The Coca-Cola Company. Coke is a registered trademark of the Coca-Cola Company in the United States since March 27, 1944. As of 2013, Coke products can be found in over 200 countries around the world as consumers down more than 1.8 million company beverage servings each day.
HOW TO OBSERVE
The celebration can be done by you and a group of your favorite friends getting together, having some fun and each having a tall glass of ice-cold Coca-Cola (or two). Use #NationalHaveACokeDay to share on social media.
With home price growth moderating, sellers will be keen to maximize their asking price but there are some days of the year that make it easier to do so.
A new analysis from ATTOM Data Solutions has identified the best days of the year to sell in order to achieve a premium above market value.
Perhaps not surprisingly, we are now in one of the best months to sell; May offers an average 7.4% premium, second only to June’s 9.2%.
But when narrowed down to specific days, sellers would be better waiting until later in the month to get the best returns on their investment.
Through ignorance, neglect or just plain bad luck, I’ve had my share of gardening failures. But I’ve also been fortunate to discover a few low-maintenance outdoor plants that even I’ve been able to keep alive. Whether you’ve never planted a thing before in your life, or just want to select some hard-to-kill plants for a troublesome spot in the yard, here are five outdoor plants that can survive almost anything.
Wild Geranium
I do nothing for this hardy, low-growing perennial, yet it rewards me with small five-petaled pink blossoms and zig-zag-edged greenery every spring. Far different from the popular red geranium plant, the wild geranium thrives in partial shade, but adapts to a wide variety of sites.
Not fond of pink? Check out the many hardy geranium varieties, in colors including blue and magenta.
Oregano
Whether you pick up a packet of seeds or a Greek oregano plant from a nursery, think about where you will plant oregano, because the bright green-leaved perennial will come back every summer.
A favorite of butterflies, this low-growing herb has a familiar flavor that’s a natural with Greek and Italian food. Use fresh, or cut and dry stalks for your own dried oregano to sprinkle on pizzas all year long.
Chives
Tired of buying green onions at the grocery and having half of them turn slimy in the fridge? Growing chives, another hard-to-kill plant, is a great alternative. Just snip off the hollow green stems about an inch from the ground as needed and add to a dish at the end of cooking for a mild onion flavor. The purple flowers on a chives plant in the spring are a nice (and edible) bonus. Their cousin, garlic chives, has flat, grass-like leaves, white flowers and a mild garlic flavor.
These low-maintenance perennials can get pushy; planting chives in a contained spot will keep them from taking over.
Poppies
Providing big impact with little care, red poppies are one of my favorite hard-to-kill plants. I find the most difficult thing about this perennial is to remember that it’s not a weed! Until the poppy flower blooms, this scraggly-leaved plant looks like something you’d want to pull out of the garden.
When planting, dig deep to loosen the soil; a poppy plant develops a long root like a carrot. And while you’re digging, think about what you might like to plant in front of your Oriental poppies. Once their brief May-June blooming period has ended, the foliage goes dormant and leaves you with nothing but memories of poppy flowers until next spring.
Daffodils
The squirrels eat my tulip bulbs, my hyacinths topple over and the crocuses stick around as long as cotton candy on a rainy day … but daffodils last and last. Also called narcissus, these spring-flowering bulbs require little care, but do like to face the sun. When you plant them in the fall, avoid soggy or shady spots. After they bloom in the spring, allow the leaves to remain until completely withered.
In addition to the familiar yellow flowers, there are white and bi-color varieties with orange or pink accents, not to mention miniature and even fragrant types. Note that daffodil bulbs require cold winter temperatures as part of their development and don’t do well in frost-free areas.
Here are the best events and things to do this weekend in Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, Jensen Beach, Stuart and Port Salerno.
May the fourth be with you for free comic book day and the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, followed by Cinco de Mayo on Sunday.
Here are the best events this weekend for What To Do in 772.
Treasure Coast
Four local comic book shops are participating in the 18th annual national Free Comic Book Day, which always falls on the first Saturday of May. Comic books are given away for free to anyone who comes into the following shops:
Collector’s Comics: 8627 S. U.S. 1 in Port St. Lucie, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Big Dog Comics: 4804 S. U.S. 1 in Fort Pierce, noon to 7 p.m.
Davinci’s Dreamworks: 835 17th St., Unit 102, in Vero Beach, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information about the Collector’s Comics event, call 772-878-9229 or go to collectorscomics.net. To learn more about the national event, go to www.freecomicbookday.com.
The Cinco de Mayo Margarita Fest: Part Two is 2-7 p.m. Saturday in the alley next to Southern Social at 1932 14th Ave., in Vero Beach. Get a souvenir cup and try more than 20 margaritas. The cost is $30 in advance and $35 at the door. Plus, the party has live music and tacos. For more information, call 772-205-2212 go to www.facebook.com/eatsouthernsocial.
The Royal Palms of St. Lucie’s Kentucky Derby Fundraiser at Walking Tree Brewery starts at 5 p.m. Saturday at 3209 Dodger Road in Vero Beach. It includes costume contests, raffles and a live auction. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. For more information, go to www.theroyalpalms.com. Then, May the 4th Beer with Youstarts at 8 p.m. and features live music and a Star Wars costume contest. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/walkingtreebrewery.
The Cinco de Mayo Party at American Icon Brewery is 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday at 1133 19th Place in Vero Beach. It includes festive food and drink specials. For more information, call 772-934-4266 or go to www.americaniconbrewery.com.
Derby Day at Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa’s Cobalt Restaurant starts at noon Saturday and lasts until post time at 6:50 p.m. at 3500 Ocean Drive. Wear your finest Kentucky Derby attire for complimentary bourbon. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/cobaltrestaurant.
RT Star’s Big Birthday Party at Riverside Theatre is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 3250 Riverside Park Drive in Vero Beach. RT Star is the theater’s education mascot. The party includes shows and entertainment, children’s games, face painting, character meet-and-greets, a bounce slide, hot dogs, shaved ice and a candy prize wheel. Admission is free. Food and drinks are available for sale. For more information, call 772-231-6990 or go to www.riversidetheatre.com.
St. Lucie County
The Kentucky Derby Social at Bottom’s Up Public House is 4-8 p.m. Saturday at 208 Avenue A, now Marina Way, in downtown Fort Pierce. Dress up and enjoy a Derby-themed cocktail menu and a food truck. Then, enjoy Cinco de Mayo with tequila, mezcal and margaritas starting at noon Sunday. Bottom’s Up is open from 11 a.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday to midnight. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/bottomsuppublichouse.
The Pre-Cinco de Mayo Fiesta en las Viñas at Summer Crush Vineyard & Winery is noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at 4200 Johnston Road, north of Fort Pierce. It features live Latin music, party favors, special sangrias, wine-based margaritas and Mexican beers and food. Proceeds benefit Raining Cats Rescue. Then, celebrate Cinco de Mayofrom 1-5 p.m. Sunday with live music and more festive drinks. Proceeds benefit Little Birthday Angels. For more information, call 772-460-0500 or go to www.summercrushwine.com.
The Cinco de Mayo Party at Pierced Ciderworks is 2-10 p.m. Sunday at 411 N. Second St., in Fort Pierce. Enjoy live music from Ben Prestage and Johnny Debt, games and margarita cider. For more information, call 772-302-3863 or go to www.facebook.com/piercedcider.
Waterfest is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Jaycee Park at State Road A1A and Melaleuca Drive in Fort Pierce on South Hutchinson Island. Try sailing, kayaking, canoeing, sail-boarding and other water activities for free using equipment and instructors from the Treasure Coast Youth Sailing Foundation. There also is live music from the Fort Pierce Jazz Society, as well as hamburgers, hot dogs and beverages for sale. For more information, call 772-480-0654 or go to treasurecoastyouthsailing.com.
The Cinco De Mayo Bingo and Brunch at Tradition Town Hall is 1-5 p.m. Sunday at 10799 S.W. Civic Lane in Port St. Lucie. Admission is $20 and includes brunch and a book of 30 games. Plus, there’s a cash bar. To get tickets, go to squareup.com/store/townhallevents.
The Treasure Coast Adult Pinewood Derby at Islamorada Beer Company is 6-9 p.m. Saturday at 3200 Saint Lucie Blvd., in Fort Pierce. Racing starts at 7 p.m. The entry fee is $20 per car and includes a free beer. Proceeds benefit local Boy Scouts. The event also includes raffles and prizes. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/events/2312532615695149.
Martin County
The Kentucky Derby Hat Contest & Party at The Twisted Tuna is 4-7 p.m. Saturday at 4290 S.E. Salerno Road in Manatee Pocket in Port Salerno. It includes prizes and food and drink specials. Then, the Cinco de Mayo Sombrero Hat Contest & Party is 4-7 p.m. Sunday. Registration is 4-5 p.m., and the contest starts at 5:30 p.m. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/thetwistedtuna.
The Divas & Dudes Kentucky Derby Hat & Fashion Show at Manatee Island Bar & Grill starts at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at 4817 S.E Dixie Highway in Port Salerno. Contest judging starts at 5:45 p.m. Then, the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta starts at 11 a.m. Sunday. Both events feature live music and festive drink specials. For more information, call 772-872-7176 or go to www.manateeislandbarandgrill.com.
Derby Day Drinks with the Junior League of Martin County is 3-7 p.m. Saturday in downtown Stuart. Check-in begins at 2:45 p.m. at Vine & Barley Stuart at 301 S.W. St. Lucie Ave., followed by stops at Spritz City Bistro, Cafe Martier at Post Office Arcade and Sneaki Tiki. There also are raffles and contests for the best hat, best bow tie and best dressed couple. Tickets, which include a swag bag and a complimentary drink at each location, are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Junior League’s community projects focusing on literacy and child welfare. For more information, go to jlderbyday.eventbrite.com.
The Rockin’ Cinco de Mayo Party at NOTES Music Room & Wine Bar is 2:30-6 p.m. Sunday at 872 S. Colorado Ave., in Stuart. The party has live music and drink specials. Parking is behind the bar, across the street in the Seacoast Bank parking lot or along Southeast Kindred Street. RSVP for a free ticket and cookie. For more information, call 772-320-9039 or go to www.stuartwinebar.com.
The Martin County Model Railroaders Open House is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Martin County Fairgrounds at 2616 S.E. Dixie Highway in Stuart. Check out various model railroad layouts in full operation and enjoy demonstrations, refreshments and talking trains with members. Admission is free. For more information, go to www.martincountymodelrailroaders.org.
Laurie K. Blandford is TCPalm’s entertainment reporter and columnist dedicated to finding the best things to do on the Treasure Coast. Read her weekly column, Laurie’s Stories, on TCPalm.com. Follow her on Twitter at @TCPalmLaurie or Facebook at faceboook.com/TCPalmLaurie.
