As we rush headlong into the Memorial Day holiday, there are still stories worth talking about, despite most everyone’s attention being directed toward a long weekend.
Amidst a very corporate-press announcement, Vista Outdoors announces the acquisition of Quiet Kat ebikes.
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First, Vista Outdoors has quietly gobbled up two more companies. In a release that talks in corporate-speak about the formation of their “Value Creation Framework and long-term financial targets” at their annual Investor Day, Vista Outdoor CEO Chris Metz announced the acquisitions.
"I am equally excited to welcome QuietKat and Venor to the Vista Outdoor family of powerhouse brands,” his statement says, “QuietKat is an electric bicycle company that specializes in designing, manufacturing and marketing rugged, all-terrain eBikes. Based in Eagle, Colorado, the company will continue to be led by its co-founders and twin brothers, Jake and Justin Roach. Venor is a Minnesota-based, hunt-inspired female apparel brand. The Venor lifestyle is anchored in adventure, community and empowering women to live their best outdoor lives.”
“I am delighted to announce that Kelly Reisdorf, our Chief Investor Relations and Communications Officer, will expand her role and lead Venor as its General Manager," Metz concluded.
It would seem consolidation is the “thing” in the outdoors these days. Of course in these days of a still-beleaguered supply chain, aligning with big companies makes sense. Their infrastructure, not to mention their manufacturing resources offshore, makes them far better equipped to survive in disruptive times.
What can you say about Memorial Day that hasn’t already been said or written? It isn’t the “unofficial launch of summer” -its beginning was considerably more somber. It is the national holiday that recognizes the ultimate sacrifices of our country’s defenders. Recognizing their sacrifice, despite what you may hear from others, isn’t wrong.
PBS will air/stream their annual Memorial Day Concert Sunday evening, May 30.
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Unlike last year, it’s also not impossible to commemorate. In fact, there are Memorial Day events back on the calendar.
On Sunday, May 30, for example, PBS will air the thirty-second annual Memorial Day Concert, Granted, it won’t be live from the West Lawn of the Capitol as in the past, but the pre-taped concert will be hosted by actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise and features a variety of all-new performances. It will air at 8 p.m. Eastern/7p.m. Central time Sunday evening, and will be streaming live on Facebook as well as being available for streaming for the next couple of weeks.
The National Veterans Memorial and Museum will host a variety of ceremonies and events over the weekend. They include a candlelight vigil tonight (Friday) and a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at 10 a.m. ET on Monday.
There will also be a national Memorial Day Observance at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. According to the U.S. Army Military District of Washington’s website, the ceremony will be Monday, but additional details have not been announced. You can learn more about Memorial Day activities at Arlington here.
Various national parks will be holding events as well. Here’s a link to learn more.
One thing to note: while the COVID-19 requirements are lifted in most areas, they remain in effect for public transportation and “crowded outdoor events” and buildings on federal land. Check the policies for any event you plan to attend, but carry masks “just in case.”
This weekend, most Americans will pause to think of family and friends who are being remembered this weekend. It is altogether appropriate that we all remember them - and what they did to protect the rights many take for granted.
We’ll keep you posted.