1) The boom of the U.S. Army National Guard howitzer during the classic 1812 Overture is one of the best signals triggering the beginning of the Memorial Day weekend here, when the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic hosts its annual, free Salute! concert at 7 p.m. May 25 on the lawn by the Bartholomew County Memorial for Veterans, near Second and Jackson streets downtown. The patriotic tunes can galvanize even the most blasé of souls, and seeing the veterans stand to be honored is sometimes as emotional as it is perfect and right. Information: 812-376-2638.
2) The Columbus Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays in the Cummins Inc. parking lot downtown is always a good way to embrace spring and the weekend amid produce, arts and crafts, live music and more. And make a note that the Farmers Market of Hope kicks off from 5 to 8 p.m. June 1 on the historic Hope Town Square. And the season for the Columbus City Farmers Summer Market launches from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 2 in front of FairOaks Mall, 2380 25th St.
