How2Day: Waterloo, New York, Memorial Day Activities

Memorial Day celebrates the soldiers who died serving the United States. Rick Hyman/Photodisc/Getty Images
Waterloo, located in Seneca County, New York, has been celebrating Memorial Day since 1866. The city celebrated the first formal day of observance in that year to honor the soldiers who gave their lives during the Civil War. Waterloo offers a variety of annual activities and events for residents and tourists during the weekend to help commemorate the holiday.

The Patriot Pizza Eating Contest is an annual event sponsored by Ciccino's Pizzeria, and each contestant must be at least 18 years old. The contest takes place on the Saturday before Memorial Day in Lafayette Park, and contestants must eat a whole cheese pizza as fast as possible, including the crust. Water is provided during the contest, and any regurgitating results in immediate disqualification. As of 2010, the entrance fee is $5, and winners receive a trophy and $25 gift certificate to Ciccino's Pizzeria.

Since 1999, residents and tourists have been able to participate in a 5K run in Lafayette Park in Waterloo over the Memorial Day weekend. The race takes place annually on Sunday at 8:30 a.m., and the entry fee for the race is $18 (as of 2010). Racers are divided into age groups and gender, and the first-, second- and third-place finishers in each group receive medals. The top three overall men and women receive plaques to commemorate their accomplishment. Every racer receives a T-shirt and a photo of themself crossing the finish line.

The Red, White and Blue Express provides train excursions during the Memorial Day weekend that take residents and tourists through Waterloo, Seneca Falls and Cayuga Lake. As of 2010, the annual event offers live entertainment on the 90-minute train ride, and tickets are $10 a person. The train rides are available on Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day at 1 and 3 p.m.

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day each year, an arts and crafts show takes place at Lafayette Park. Over 100 vendors set up shop and sell paintings, jewelry, dolls, candles, desserts and handmade wooden items. As of 2010, the event celebrated its 11th anniversary.

How2Day