The Parade itself arrives on Labor Day Monday morning. It sashays down Crescent Road from Greenhill to Southway, spits and polishes off with the police color guard, scoops up a pipe and drum corps, flourishes a frenzy of fire trucks, screams some sirens and projects a perfect perambulation of politicians – it’s all a hometown could hope for. But the parade is just the jewel in a more expansive crown.
For the Athletic
Sunday, the day before, begins for cyclists with a Tour de Greenbelt starting at 9 a.m. at the New Deal Café. In two stages, it’s led by Greenbelt’s own bike-friendly pair, Mayor Emmett Jordan and Councilmember Kristen Weaver, with Laurie and Jeff Lemieux of Proteus Bicycles, who though unelected, have two successive Research Road addresses to confirm their Greenbelt pedigree. The first stage leaves at 9 a.m. to Greenbelt Station and back and the second at 10 a.m. goes round trip to Schrom Hills Park. Note: this unsupported ride may not be suitable for all ages. And if that’s not enough exercise, hold on, because the Larry Noel 15K Race starts near Crescent and Northway at 5 p.m. and the 3K so-called Fun Run trots off at 5:10 p.m. near the Youth Center. Registration information is available at dcroadrunners.org.sign-up/greenbelt.
For the Kids
Also on Sunday, a spate of kiddie activities begins at Braden Field at 10 a.m. with a classic egg-and-spoon derby and the eternally ungainly sack race, followed by a water relay, sure to be extremely soggy and undoubtedly not to be missed. At 10:30 a.m., badminton is available for all ages on Braden Field. Other kid-oriented activities take place in the Youth Center throughout the day. Children’s Bingo is at 1 p.m. and table tennis is at 2 p.m. Board games monopolize Room 103 of the Community Center from 1 to 4 p.m. Play theirs or bring yours.
For the Aficionados
For those of more aesthetic leanings, the craft fair is in Roosevelt Center Sunday and Monday with local artists displaying their hand-made items from noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday. Also, for a breather, check out Rolling Shorts in the Old Greenbelt Theater Sunday, starting at noon and running to 3 p.m. It’s free.
The afternoon is rich in treasure. The Retro Town Fair winners are displayed from 1 to 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Museum – how fittingly retro is that? The Museum itself is open from 2 to 4 p.m. There are ribbons to be won for flowers, veggies, baked and canned goods and needlework. (Entries are accepted from 10 to 11:30 a.m.) The Art and Photo shows run Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. and Monday from noon to 4 p.m. in the Community Center gym.
And for Music Fans
The stage starts up at noon Sunday with New Blue Soul, a sextet bringing classic blues. Later the Soulfied Village plays music from the heart from 2 to 4 p.m. and Rising Stars perform from 4:30 to 7 p.m. And for those into Elvis Presley, Johnny Seaton will wow from 8 to 11 p.m.
Monday showcases the Rockabilly Rebels (two of whom grew up in Greenbelt) from 1 to 3 p.m. and Patty Reese and Friends round off the weekend’s entertainment with Americana Blues from 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Food and Fun
From noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday and noon to 6 p.m. on Monday, the carnival and booths are going full swing – rides, games, food and fun. If you want to put your feet up constructively, head for Bingo (benefitting Greenbelt Youth Baseball) at the picnic tables.
Celebration meals are available Monday with Luncheon on the Lawn at the Greenbelt Community Church starting after the parade. It’s a classic barbeque with the trimmings and dessert. Later, from 3 to 7 p.m., at the Greenbelt American Legion, the annual Family Picnic is in full swing. Fun and food for all.