Sunshine Ace Hardware stores across the region will host Stars & Stripes BBQ Parties on May 24 to kick off grilling season while reflecting on the sacrifices of military veterans.

The Memorial Day weekend parties will feature grill masters cooking up new recipes, including hot ‘n spicy meatballs, chicken wings, candied bacon, pepperoni pizza, poppers, crunchy skewered pineapple, planked cream cheese and other foods. Food samples will vary by location.

“Sunshine Ace Hardware is proud to support many veteran causes and is blessed to have dozens of veterans among our associates, so we always pause over Memorial Day weekend to reflect on the bravery and heroism of those who gave their lives to protect our freedom,” said Michael Wynn, president of Sunshine Ace Hardware. “Nationwide, Memorial Day weekend also represents the unofficial start to grilling season, and our grill masters are excited to showcase some new recipes to BBQ lovers in Southwest Florida.”

In addition to complimentary samples, guests at Stars & Stripes BBQ Parties can bring home new grilling recipes and grilling tips, along with exclusive discounts – including double points for Ace Rewards members – available only during the event.

The Stars & Stripes BBQ Party is the first of four major grilling events held at Ace Hardware stores across the country. Additional grilling events are held in advance of Independence Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving.

Stars & Stripes BBQ Parties run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 24 at the following Sunshine Ace Hardware retail stores:

Collier County:

• Downtown Naples – 141 Tamiami Trail North; Naples, FL 34102
• East Naples – 4433 Tamiami Trail East; Naples, FL 34112
• Marco Island – 1720 San Marco Road; Marco Island, FL 34145
• Golden Gate – 11673 Collier Blvd.; Naples, FL 34116
• Founders Square – 8850 Founders Square Drive; Naples, FL 34120
• Ave Maria – 5630 Ave Maria Blvd., Unit 110-112; Ave Maria, FL 34142

Lee County:

• Bonita Springs – 9100 Bonita Beach Road; Bonita Springs, FL 34135
• San Carlos – 18911 Tamiami Trail South; Fort Myers, FL 33908

Charlotte County:

• Port Charlotte – 3035 Tamiami Trail; Port Charlotte, FL 33952
• Port Charlotte, Kingsway – 912a Kings Highway; Port Charlotte, FL 33980
• Babcock Ranch – 42080 Cypress Parkway, Suite 11; Babcock Ranch, FL 33982

Pinellas County:

• Largo – 1015 W. Bay Drive; Largo, FL 33770

Manatee County (Crowder Bros. Ace Hardware):

• Bradenton – 5409 Manatee Ave. West; Bradenton, FL 34209
• Lakewood Ranch – 2401 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.; Lakewood Ranch, FL 34211