Going camping? Having a barbecue or picnic? Those are fine things to do on this long Memorial Day weekend, even if rain is expected. But Memorial Day is more than camping and hotdogs and family fun. It's a day when we should remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their life for our county.

For the next several Fridays, throughout the summer, the Tribune will offer a "Best Bets" column of ideas or suggestions of weekend activities and events for individuals, families or groups. Monday is Memorial Day and here are four suggestions to consider.

* Attend a Memorial Day service.

* Place flags or flowers on cemetery graves in memoriam.

* Fly the U.S. flag (until noon at half-staff).

* Pause for a moment of silence and reflection at 2 p.m. CDT for a national remembrance.

Before Monday's Memorial Day, however, there are several "Best Bets" this weekend, beginning tonight.

If you like fast cars and loud engines, then the stock car races might be for you, 7:30 p.m. at Dacotah Speedway on the "Strip" in Mandan. Or for a more mellow evening, the Jazz at the Stage series will feature FatDad at 7 p.m. at the Dakota Stage Playhouse.

If you're still in town on Saturday, it's a good bet you might be mowing the yard, cleaning out the garage or performing some other household task. If so, take a break and head over to Central Market for a brat and soft drink at a fundraiser for the Special Olympics of Bismarck.

Sunday also will be a special day with graduation ceremonies at the Civic Center for Century High at 1 p.m. and Bismarck High at 5 p.m. Mandan High's graduation will be at 2 p.m. at Faris Field or in the gymnasium (if there is bad weather). Shiloh Christian's graduation will be at 2:30 p.m. at the school's gymnasium and Dakota Adventist Academy's ceremony will be at 10 a.m. at the academy auditorium.

Have fun this weekend, be safe and remember to pay honor to the U.S. military men and women who have died in service to the country.