Ah, it’s finally here: a glorious three-day weekend, kickoff to summer and the summer boating season, a great time to take the family out on the lake.

Whether you’re planning to swim in the (still slightly chilly) lake or just relax and enjoy the view out on the water, there’s nothing wrong with bringing along a little bit of Memorial Day flair.

If you’re looking for a few ideas to help make your Memorial Day outing memorable, here are some suggestions from our friends in the boating community:

-Pack a picnic! It’s the perfect occasion to make sandwiches with all the fixins’ and roll out the recipes you’ve been waiting to try, whether your family loves the traditional potato and macaroni salads or they’re willing to walk on the wild side with spicy quinoa and other hearty grains.

-Make an edible flag dessert for this patriotic occasion. One of our favorites is a strawberry and blueberry shortcake or, if you really want to impress, a strawberry and blueberry tart. Another winner is a tray of cubed watermelon and cheese with a dish of berries or a tray of homemade cookies in red, white, and blue. The options are endless. Be creative!

-Beyond just a day for picnics and boating, Memorial Day was created to remember the sacrifice of American soldiers who’ve died during military service. Remember those who’ve defended our freedom by decorating with red, white, and blue and, of course, American flags.

-Bring a friend! When it’s a great day for relaxation, the more the merrier. Tie your boats together in an arrangement that helps to make the day even better. For example, the adults might sit and relax on one boat while the kids are swimming off the other. Or one boat might bring the music while another brings the food.

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate out on the lake, make sure that once you get out there you relax! Sit back, enjoy the warm weather, and remember how fortunate we are to live in freedom.