Memorial Day weekend ready

It's Memorial Day Weekend, the unofficial start of summer and a time to reflect on the sacrifices that make this country what it is.

The big picture: Here are some ways to make the most of it.

🕊️ Memorial Day Ceremony and Laying of Wreaths: Monday, 11am, Huntsville-Madison County Veterans Memorial Park

• Mayor Tommy Battle and Lt. Gen. Gavin Lawrence, Redstone Arsenal Senior Commander, will speak at this year's event. It's free, and organizers recommend bringing a chair.

🇺🇸 VFW Post 5162 Memorial Day Ceremony: Monday, 9am, Maple Hill Cemetery

• Individuals and organizations are welcome to lay a wreath at Maple Hill Cemetery Monday morning at Post 5162's annual Memorial Day event.

🔦 Friday Night at the Museum: Friday, U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, 4-7pm; $4-$10

• The U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum at John Hunt Park is offering a chance to explore the museum after hours today.

⚾️ Trash Pandas vs Chattanooga Lookouts: Harry Potter Weekend, Saturday-Sunday, Toyota Field, $10-$73

• Saturday's game kicks off Harry Potter Weekend with "an unforgettable experience on the opening night" and a Harry Potter jersey auction to raise money for charity.

🎈 Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic; Decatur, Saturday-Sunday, free

• The annual hot air balloon takeover of Decatur's Point Mallard Park is set for this weekend, with main flight times in the early morning and late afternoon both days.

🏃‍♀️ Cotton Row Run; Monday, downtown, $12.72-$60

• The 46th Cotton Row Run, hosted by Huntsville Track Club, is set for Monday downtown, honoring fallen military members and leading runners through a living memorial flag line.

🎸 Jamorial Day; Monday, 5-8pm, Stovehouse, free

• The Stovehouse Food Garden will turn into a backyard party with live music from Double Barrel Band and classic lawn games.