Kiddo Carnival’s post-parade concert lineup features, clockwise from top, Catfight feat. Teal Collins, Rock the Ages and Wreckless Strangers. Courtesy images.

One of Mill Valley’s biggest weekends of the year is almost here, and it’s a bonafide blockbuster!

As part of its 40th Anniversary celebration, Kiddo! kicks off Memorial Day weekend with the annual four-day Family Carnival on May 27 and running through May 30. As always, there will be rides for all ages, plus plenty of food and games. MORE INFO ON TIX & DISCOUNTED TIX VOUCHERS HERE.

The weekend includes the return of the Mill Valley Volunteer Firefighters’ Association’s Pancake Breakfast from 7-11am, as well as the Mill Valley Historical Society’s annual ‘Walk Into History’ on May 29.

May 30th marks the return of the Mill Valley Memorial Day Parade, which is preceded by the special Veterans Ceremony, including the student K-8 essay contest, “What does Memorial Day mean to me?” starting 9:45 at Lytton Square followed by the parade at 10:30, with the parade processing from Old Mill School to Miller Avenue. MORE INFO.
Parade Applications and info are now online at mviloveaparade.com

The I Love a Parade committee – Larry “the Hat” Lautzker, Clifford Waldeck and Paul Moe are expanding the scope of this year’s event to include the Ukraine, for all those who have “lost their lives fighting for our freedom” in conflicts worldwide. A portion of this year’s parade registration and sponsorship proceeds will go to Ukraine Relief. “These men and woman have given their lives so the world can be a safer place!” Lautzker says.

Memorial Day will be capped off with a blockbuster afternoon of live music (12:30-5:00pm) on Friends Field from a trio of renowned local acts, headlined by the Teal Collins’-fronted Catfight, which also includes Angeline Saris from Zepparella, Daria Johnson from Four Year Bender, Jeff Miller from New Monsoon and Jordan Feinstein from the Phil Lesh Band. The much-loved Wreckless Strangers are also set to perform, featuring Amber Morris on vocals; David Noble (Poor Man’s Whiskey) on lead guitar/vocals; Joshua Zucker (Rowan Brothers) on bass; Austin de Lone (Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello, The Fabulous Thunderbirds) on keys; Mick Hellman (The Go to Hell Man Band) on drums and vocals; and Rob Anderson on guitar. The band is set to release its debut album When the Sun and a Blue Star Collide on May 20. The first single, “Sun State,” features blues legend Charlie Musselwhite on harmonica.

The lineup is rounded out by Rock of Ages, everyone’s favorite ensemble of multi-talented singers from The Redwoods, a Community of Seniors. Organizers of the event (in collaboration with Mill Valley Recreation, The City of Mill Valley, Famous4 Productions) remind attendees that this free community event prohibits bringing your own adult beverages. There will also be tasty food and beverages for all ages from local vendors available for purchase. Beer, wine, and other assorted beverages will be sold at the event with proceeds to benefit Mill Valley Schools Community Foundation. For more information, please contact the Kiddo! office at (415) 389-7789 or visit the Kiddo! website at www.kiddo.org.

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