Pool covers are being drawn back.

Hot dogs are sizzling on grills.

Flags are flapping in the wind.

Toby Keith is blaring on the radio.

These are the sounds of summer. The sounds of freedom. Brought to you courtesy of the red, white and blue.

America is often associated with these iconic, sense-tickling symbols. And what better way to unofficially ring in the season than with a national holiday like Memorial Day?

While this kickstart to summer is filled with fun and games, let us not forget the reason we celebrate it. Many have given their lives to keep this country free. So while you enjoy a day off from work, remember it was not without a cost.

If we can remember their sacrifice, we can enjoy freedom to the fullest. Because let’s be honest: there’s nothing more patriotic than a long weekend, so there is no better time to get out there and enjoy your community’s events.

Mingle on Main is back in Saxonburg! Show up on the borough’s Main Street at 5:30 p.m. Thursday for access to food, artisans, boutique stores and so much more! Visit the event Facebook page for more information.

Interested in directing at Butler Little Theatre? Applications are open to help shape the five shows of our 85th season! Visit butlerlittletheatre.com for more information.

Do you like to slow dance, jitterbug, ca-cha or line dance? Then the Highfield Community Center, 229 Highfield Road, is the place to be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday. B.Y.O.B. and snacks, and get groovin’ to great tunes spun by DJ Marty Tack for $10 admission. For more information, call 724-283-1867.

Butler Art Center’s Spring Show and Sale runs from now until June. Head over to 344 S Main Street between 7 and 9 p.m. for the opening reception and to browse and shop the pieces. Visit butlerartcenterandgallery.org for more information.

Check out the Haymakers II flea market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the Harmonist Barn, 303 Mercer Street, Harmony. All proceeds will benefit the borough’s museum. Visit harmonymuseum.org for more information.

All proceeds made during the Harmony For Hunger music fest will be donated to help local veterans and those experiencing homelessness. Listen to several local artists from 1 to 10 p.m. Saturday at Union Brothers Brewing, 270 Mercer Street. Admission is by donation. Visit the event Facebook page for more information.

It’s Moraine State Park’s 56th birthday! Stop by between 3 and 6 p.m. to participate in disc golf, scavenger hunts, and other games. Park trivia will start at 6 p.m. at the Lakeview Beach area on the North Shore. For a full list of activities, visit events.dcnr.pa.gov.

Splash n’ Dash is a race for everyone at the Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA, 2001 Ehrman Road, Cranberry Township. This family-friendly event starts at 8 a.m. Sunday and is geared toward children interested in racing across multiple sports. Registration will be by age group. For more information and registration, visit the event Facebook page.

The classic car cruise at St. Conrad Church is back at 3 p.m. Sunday in the church parking lot, 125 Buttercup Road. The event will include a DJ, food and basket raffles. Visit the event Facebook page for more information.

Have a theater kid in the making? Any student age 10 and up can audition for the Summer Dramatics Project production of “Shrek: the Musical” at 6 p.m. Sunday and Tuesday, May 26, at Christ Community United Methodist Church, 205 S Duffy Road. Callbacks will be Wednesday. Students will learn a short song and dance while in the room; just show up! For more information, visit the Facebook page or email summerdramaticsproject@gmail.com.

Don’t forget to bring a flag to Butler Main Street at 10:40 a.m. Monday for the annual Memorial Day parade!

If you are interested in your event being featured in Miller Minutes, please email information to news@butlereagle.com.

Molly Miller is an Eagle correspondent.