Everybody into the Pool!

The unofficial start of summer is here.

It's understandable if you weren't quite prepared, since the Lehigh Valley seemingly has skipped spring with it rainy,  cold and damp weather.

But here we are and here are some of the highlights the Memorial Day weekend brings to the Macungie, Lower Macungie and Alburtis areas.

Making a splash

Pools are open. The facilities in Alburtis, Macungie and Lower Macungie opened on May 28. (Click on the individual link to check hours, pricing and additional information about those pools.)

Filling summer hours for the kids

Lower Macungie has announced its summer parks and camps programs.

Fun in the park

A reminder that Alburtis Park opened May 1 and continues with summer entertainment. The Jesse Wade Gang plays between 2 and 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, and the Moore Brothers will perform during the same hours on Memorial Day. A tractor show will be held both days.

Remembering those who served

And, last but certainly not least, the highlight of the holiday weekend for many will be activities to honor those who have served our country.

Events will be held on Memorial Day as follows:

* 8:30 a.m. - Flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony by Macungie Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9264 and the Veterans of the Vietnam War Post 75 at the Veterans' Memorial in

* 10 a.m. - A parade will start at Shoemaker Elementary School and proceed on East Main Street to Macungie Memorial Park.

* 10:30 a.m. - The 63rd-annual Macungie Memorial Day Program will be held at the bandshell. This year's speaker will be Col. James T. Anthony, USMC Retired.

* Noon - A memorial service will follow at the Lehigh-Northampton Vietnam Veterans Memorial, 287 Lehigh St.

* After - Free refreshments will follow.

In the event of rain, the parade will be canceled and Memorial Day services will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the Macungie Memorial Park auditorium at 50 N. Poplar St.