Summer begins this weekend with several events and activities going on throughout the area for the whole family.

Memorial Day Parade
St. Joseph will hold its Memorial Day Parade sponsored by Frank and Shar Walsh on Friday at noon along Lake Boulevard in downtown St. Joseph.

The parade is held to honor those veterans who have served their country and sacrificed their lives for the sake of freedom.

DiVine Vodka anniversary
While celebrating Memorial Day, Round Barn Winery, Brewery and Distillery will also celebrate the fourth anniversary of its DiVine Vodka.

The family-owned, boutique winery, distillery and brewery nestled in the rolling hills of southwest Michigan in Baroda – just a short drive from Chicago, South Bend or Grand Rapids is the perfect one-tank trip for Memorial Day weekend.

Round Barn specializes in hand-crafted wines, fruit brandies, vodka and microbrews. In the wine making business for more than 25 years, Rick and Sherrie Moersch have built a thriving family operation with their two sons, Chris and Matthew. Their secret of success is based around a spirited, educational and unintimidating atmosphere featuring quality service and products.

The DiVine Vodka Anniversary and Open House will take place Saturday and Sunday.
Featured will be martini samples, new wine releases, discounts on purchases, and the brewery’s fresh, new summer wheat beer as well as live music by Alligator Blackbird and Van Dyke Review.

Round Barn Winery is located at 10983 Hills Rd. in Baroda. For more information call (800) 716-9463 or visit www.roundbarnwinery.com.

Sarett Nature Center events
Looking to spend Memorial Day Weekend in the great outdoors? Families and nature enthusiasts can visit the Sarett Nature Center in Benton Harbor.

Saturday at 8 p.m. the nature center will hold a program called Frogs of Sarett. Learn the frogs and their songs of local waters and then venture outside to listen to the voices of the night. Fee is $3 for adults, Sarett members and all children under 12 free.

Visit Silver Beach Center
While in St. Joseph, soak up some sun at Silver Beach or take time to discover its newest attributes – all part of the Silver Beach Center. Children and adults alike will enjoy a ride on the Silver Beach Carousel and kids will get a lesson in the gross with the Grossology exhibit just off the carousel house as part of the Curious Kids Discovery Zone by the Curious Kids Museum.

After a day out at the beach, head up to the mainland of downtown St. Joseph and indulge in a little shopping or stop and grab a bite to eat in any one of the city’s fine eateries, bars and restaurants.