A run down of Memorial Day weekend activities in Southeast Missouri

Three-day weekend. Just hearing this phrase brings a smile to most faces. And, with Monday being Memorial Day, this weekend features several events that should keep you smiling till Tuesday. No matter what you decide to do, though, don't forget the reason for the holiday -- the brave men and women who protect us every day.

Today

Tunes at Twilight

The weekly outdoor concert series held at Common Pleas Courthouse gazebo features husband and wife duo The Cantrells at 7 p.m. The Cantrells are known as a versatile folk team with roots in bluegrass, swing, jazz and old-timey music. Audiences often bring lawn chairs, blankets, children and picnic supplies to the free event, and the atmosphere is known to be relaxed and family-oriented. You can find more information at www.oldtowncape.org.

100-Mile Yard Sale

Barb and Ward Brown of Sparta, Ill., check out a piece of glass art made by Estelee Wood near Dutchtown during the 100-Mile Yard Sale in 2011.

This bargain hunter's paradise will run through Monday. The 14th annual event takes place along Highway 25 and is a known as a bonanza of used items for sale, from Jackson to Dutchtown to Delta to Dexter, into Malden and Campbell, and ending in Kennett, Mo. Drivers are encouraged to be cautious during the sale and watch for pedestrians. For more information, visit www.25yardsale.com.

Downtown get down

Jam with area music giant Bloom Heavy Promotions as they bring Mouth, Reel Foot and Monstars to Port Cape's Yacht Club. Kansas City, Mo., group Mouth plays "cyberfunk," a bass-heavy, futuristic funk combined with rock. Combining funk, rock, blues, reggae, and improvisational and compositional genres, Columbia, Mo., four-piece Reel Foot is known for its live performances. Local band Monstars explores a large array of sounds and styles within a show. With a rapper to go along with six musicians, the band adds a different dimension to their blend of live funk, blues, hip-hop, rock and soul. Show starts at 9 p.m., and cover charge is $5 ($2 surcharge for minors). For more information, go to www.facebook.com/bloomheavy.

Saturday

Cape Riverfront Market

The Cape Riverfront Market opened for the first day of the season Saturday, May 5. The market will be open from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday through Oct. 27 in the parking lot at 35 S. Spanish St. (ADAM VOGLER)

The weekly outdoor market consists of vendors, demonstrations and entertainment. The market will have around 26 seasonal vendors, with an estimated mix of 50 percent unprocessed products, 30 percent value-added products and 20 percent crafts. The market will be open from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday through Oct. 27. For more information, go to www.caperiverfrontmarket.com.

Old Timer's Days

For those with interest in farming, you'll want to check out the 36th year of the River Hills Antique Tractor Club's Old Timer's Day at the seminary picnic grounds just north of Perryville, Mo. Events such as corn shredding, a kiddie peddle tractor pull, food and beer stands, blacksmithing, free hay rides, and classic tractor displays will fill the weekend. Some 15 flea markets will also be on hand. The free event begins at 9 a.m. Saturday and 8:30 a.m. Sunday. For more about Old Timer's Day, contact the tractor club president Allen Muench at 587-2813.

Living history at Fort D

Turner Brigade members fire the cannon at Fort D in Cape Girardeau.

Join local re-enactors as they portray a Civil War-eraevent at the historic site. Fort D is the last of Missouri's urban forts. At the Civil War's outset, there were Missouri fortifications in Cape Girardeau, St. Louis, Jefferson City, Rolla and Springfield. Now, when it comes to forts around urban areas, all but Fort D are gone. The 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. event is free and goes through Monday. For more information, call 800-777-0068.

Hogs and dogs

Fill up on fun and food at Bootheel Harley-Davidson in Scott City as they host the Alex Beaird Band. The Alex Beaird Band is a blues-rock outfit from Southeast Missouri. A combination of rhythm, minimalist song structure, and vintage guitar tone results in a bluesy and soulful approach to rock 'n' roll with influences of folk, jazz and country. The free event will offer food and drinks, and runs from noon to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.bootheelhd.com.

A night out in Kelso

Ray's in Kelso, Mo., presents Flashback, part of its courtyard entertainment summer series. Flashback is a classic cover band with a catalog extending from the 1940s through the 1990s. Along with the music, the event features buffets that include Lau and Texas style pig roasts and will include whole pig, baby back ribs, beef brisket, and chicken and gator bites. The buffets also come with peel-and-eat shrimp, tossed vinaigrette Caesar salad, and an assortment of vegetables. The event is from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., and costs $22.95. Call 264-1115 for more information or to make a reservation. For more about Flashback, visit www.flashback-theband.com.

Sunday

Winery music

The Mark Gordon Trio entertained at River Ridge Winery. (Fred Lynch)

There's no shortage of winery entertainment Sunday. Hunter Valley Winery in Cape Girardeau will have local singer and songwriter Doug E. Rees from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Guitarist Casey Benefield will be at Hemman Winery in Brazeau, Mo., from 2 to 5 p.m. Local folk band Grisham Spur will be at Thousand Oaks Winery in Patton, Mo., from 2 to 5 p.m. And Bruce Zimmerman will play Eagle Pass Winery in Poplar Bluff, Mo., with Ken Keller from 3 to 6 p.m. Each winery will also be hosting free wine tastings before and during the music.

Patriotic celebration

The hillside in front of the Jackson band shell is lined with music lovers as Scott VanGilder conducts the Jackson Municipal Band.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau will present its annual patriotic celebration. Songs will be performed by the adult choirs Mission Bells and Jericho. There will also be a musical slideshow presented honoring military veterans who have served and those currently serving. The celebration will also feature a Stephen Foster medley and an Appalachian folk song, "Great Gifts." The event is free and begins at 4 p.m.

Monday

Museum remembrance

The American Legion Honor Guard Post 158 is saluted Monday as it closes out the Memorial Day ceremony in Jackson.

"Divided Loyalties: Civil War Documents from the Missouri State Archives" officially opens at the Cape River Heritage Museum. With rare photographs and the words of real people who lived through that era, this exhibit tells the story of the breakdown and rebuilding of our nation. Also featured are exhibits on the Civil War in Cape Girardeau, the Missouri state flag, the Missouri mule, and more. Admission is free in honor of Memorial Day, and the museum is open from noon to 4 p.m.

Memorial dinner

Join Zion Methodist Church in Gordonville for its 55th Memorial Day dinner. Serving starts at 4 p.m. with all you can eat chicken and dumplings, served with ham, green beans, slaw, homemade bread, pies, cakes and German potato salad. Adults pay $10, children ages 6 to 11 cost $5, and children 5 and under eat free. For more information, call 243-8025 or visit www.cfryan.net/zionunity.

Memorial Day concert

The Jackson Municipal Band begins its 92nd season with a 9 a.m. performance at the American Legion Memorial Day ceremony at the city cemetery in Jackson. The band begins its regular Thursday night performances at 8 p.m. June 7 at the Jackson band shell. It will continue weekly until the final concert Aug. 9, which will be at the courthouse gazebo, where the band played when it first began.

jsamons@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Highway 25, Gordonville, MO

Common Pleas Courthouse, Cape Girardeau, MO

19 N. Water St., Cape Girardeau, MO

35 S. Spanish St., Cape Girardeau MO

920 W. Fort St., Cape Girardeau, MO

Seminary picnic grounds, Perryville, MO

2100 E. Outer Road, Scott City, MO

151 S. Messmer St., Kelso, MO

804 N. Cape Rock Dr., Cape Girardeau, MO

538 Independence St., Cape Girardeau, MO

3652 State Highway Z, Gordonville, MO