Miss MA Comes to Visit, Musical Road Race and Remember the Fallen This Weekend

The long weekend that is the unofficial kickoff to the summer is here. Maybe you had a trip off to the mountains, lake or Cape Cod planned but - let's be honest - the forecast doesn't look that great. Why not stay close to home, save on the gas money and enjoy what the North Shore has to offer.

There are several road races and a play listed below, plus there are several other events going on in Danvers and the nearby area of the North Shore this weekend. And Memorial Day is the reason it is long weekend. Observances are planned to remember our fallen heroes.

Make sure to check our events calendar for a complete list of other activities this weekend.

If you have great ideas of your own that you want to share, please feel free to add them in the comments section at the bottom.

1. 'BRAIDS'

Where/When: Dane Street Church, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 3 p.m.

Why Go: See the final two performances of "Braids," a regional premiere of a one-act play that tell the story of three women "intricately intertwine like a braid woven through a woman's hair as mother and daughters struggle with the perplexities of womanhood, family responsibilities, and abandonment."

Pricing:$12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors

2. 18TH ANNUAL MELODY MILES 5K and 5 MILE ROAD RACE

Where/When: Winthrop Elementary School, Hamilton; Saturday, 10 a.m. (registration begins at 9 a.m.)

Why Go: There's almost no race like it - while you're running on the 5K or five mile course on the bucolic roads of Hamilton and Wenham you'll be serenaded by the musicians of the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District. There is also a fun run at 10:45 a.m. Proceeds from the race go toward funding the music programs in the school district.

Pricing: $25

3. MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND SERVICE

Where/When: Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody; Sunday, 11 a.m.

Why Go: Puritan Lawn Memorial Park will also hold a special service on Sunday at 11 a.m. at the Veterans Circle in Puritan Lawn and visiting hours will be extended throughout the weekend.

Pricing: Free.

4. MISS MASSACHUSETTS VISITS WALMART

Where/When: Walmart, Danvers; Sunday, 12-2 p.m.

Why Go: Stop by and meet Miss Massachusetts Taylor Kinzler at the Danvers Walmart on Sunday. Kinzler will be there as part of a two-month promotional tour at 96 Walmarts across the country and will signing autographs and posing for photos. The tour is called "On the Road with Miss America" and is sponsored by Catalina, the official swimsuit provider to Miss America, and Walmart. Catalina swimwear is available exclusively at Walmart. Kinzler won the state title last summer and competed for the national crown earlier this year. Check out www.catalinaswim.com/miss-America-appearances/ for more details.

Pricing: Free

5. FRESH FOOD 5K and 1 MILE RUN

Where/When: Green Meadows Farm, Hamilton; Saturday, 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Why Go: In addition to a 5K road and trail race and a one mile fun run, the full day of events at the farm include local vendors selling their wares, craft beer sampling, music, demonstrations and tours.

Pricing: $55 for 5K, $25 for one mile race