Leading up to Memorial Day weekend, the annual Avenue of Flags will be erected Thursday, May 23, at the Hermiston Cemetery.

Cmdr. Aaron Wetterling, of American Legion Post No. 37, said U.S. Navy veteran Dennis Aiken recently completed an inventory and repaired flags. Featuring more than 500 flags, it will remain on display through Memorial Day. The cemetery is open daily from dawn until dusk.

The Memorial Day ceremony is Monday, May 27, at 10 a.m. The program includes the presentation of colors by the American Legion Honor Guard, music by a Hermiston High School ensemble and special speaker Rev. Dean Hackett. Wetterling encourages people to bring lawn chairs.

For more about the American Legion Post, search Facebook via bit.ly/4baqZl9. For questions, contact Wetterling at 541-720-1815 or aarmar@charter.net.

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Food, vendor booths, games, activities and prizes are all a part of the Morrow County Children’s Fair. Presented by Community Counseling Solutions, the free indoor/outdoor event is Thursday, May 23, 4-6 p.m. at the Port of Morrow, 2 Marine Drive, Boardman.

For more information, search www.facebook.com/mcchildrensfair. For questions, email sadeproject@gmail.com.

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Learn more about the Ballard Housing Development and enjoy refreshments during a ribbon-cutting event hosted by Boylan Realty on Thursday, May 23, noon at Powerline Road and Quail Avenue, Umatilla. The second phase of the project, it will feature 60 new homes. For questions, call 541-289-0234.

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Duel in the Desert revs up with two days of racing — Saturday and Sunday, May 25-26 — during Memorial Day weekend at the Hermiston Raceway, 81236 N. Highway 395. The gates open each day at 4 p.m. with the green flag waving at 6 p.m.

Active military personnel are admitted free with identification. One-day tickets range from $12-$20 or two-day bundles for $20-$35. Family passes (two adults and three youths) are $65 and $95, respectively.

Also, Speedy’s Bar & Grill offers food, drinks and souvenirs. For tickets, visit www.hermistonraceway.com. For questions, call 509-619-4274.

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Get ready to run or walk during a road race that centers around Hermiston’s famous landmark. The Butte Challenge is June 1, with bib pickup at 7:30 a.m. at Butte Park, 1245 NW Seventh St. It begins with a free kids race at 8 a.m., followed by the 5K run/walk and 10K run at 8:30 a.m.

For more than two decades, the event has provided support to the Hermiston cross-country program, including girls and boys from middle school through high school. Participants will receive custom Butte medals and gift bags at the finish line. In addition, those who pre-register will be entered into a drawing for door prizes.

Registration is $25 via www.buttechallenge.com. Also, family rates start at $85 for four or $90 for up to eight people. For questions, contact Troy Blackburn at troy.blackburn@hermistonsd.org or 541-667-6100.

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Reel in some fun during the Fishing Derby for Kids on June 1, 10 a.m. to noon at the McNary Ponds. The free event is open to ages 2-11 — adults can begin fishing at noon.

The ponds will be stocked with more than 2,500 fish, allowing little anglers a chance to snag up to three fish. Prizes will be awarded to those reeling in tagged fish.

The event coincides with Oregon’s free fishing weekend — people don’t need a license to fish June 1-2 in Oregon. For more information, call Hermiston Parks and Recreation at 541-667-5018.

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The Harkenrider Senior Activity Center serves lunch Thursday, May 23 (meatloaf), and Tuesday, May 28 (ham), noon to 12:30 p.m. at 255 NE Second St., Hermiston. Meals are $5.

To ensure an accurate meal count for in-person and takeout meals, call 541-567-3582 by 11 a.m. Also, Meals on Wheels is available in Hermiston. Call before 10 a.m. to place a delivery order.

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The Boardman Senior Center offers dine-in and takeout lunches at noon on Thursday, May 23 (barbecue chicken), and Tuesday, May 28 (green chili beef enchiladas), at 100 Tatone St. Meals are $5 for seniors and $6 for others. For takeout service, call 541-481-3257.