What’s in store for SC’s Memorial Day weekend

COLUMBIA, SC - Going to a concert, a picnic, Riverbanks Zoo or Congaree National Park over this three-day holiday weekend? Or are you hitting the road to the coast or the mountains?

Whatever you do, don’t forget the reason for holiday: Honor a fallen soldier this Memorial Day.

REMBERING FALLEN SOLDIERS

AT THE FORT. Fort Jackson and the Veterans Administration will hold a wreath-laying ceremony at Fort Jackson National Cemetery on Monday beginning at 9 a.m. to observe Memorial Day. The public is invited to the cemetery at 4170 Percival Road.

OUTDOORS

RHYTHM ON THE RIVER. Step out to some music Saturday at West Columbia’s Riverwalk Amphitheatre. The concert is set for 6-9 p.m. at the amphitheatre, at 121 Alexander Road, just across the Congaree River from downtown Columbia. The free concert features Prettier than Matt, with the Prairie Willows as the opening act.

TRAVELING

TANK UP! Gas prices this holiday weekend are at a six-year low, averaging $2.40, according to AAA Carolinas.

ALL LANES ARE OPEN. Nearly half a million South Carolinians are expected to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend, the highest figure in 10 years, according to estimates provided by AAA Carolinas.

No lanes on the interstate highways or heavily traveled roads will be closed during the holiday weekend, the S.C. Department of Transportation said.

AT THE POOL

YES, YOU HAVE TO TAKE YOUR LITTLE BROTHER. The pool at Columbia’s Maxcy Gregg Park on Blossom Street opens Saturday.

And don’t forget the city’s many splash pads. They offer a quick break from the summer heat, free of charge. They open Saturday, too.

SAFETY TIPS

DRIVING. Columbia police are stepping up patrols and DUI and seatbelt enforcement across heavily traveled areas of the city Friday night throughout the holiday weekend. Reduce unsafe driving and traffic collisions is the goal.

BOATING. Boating safety experts are advising folks not to drink and drive while on an S.C. waterway. Remember: Wearing a flotation device can save your life. That means everyone on the boat. And never swim alone.

This story was originally published May 22, 2015 at 11:50 PM with the headline "What’s in store for SC’s Memorial Day weekend."