Memorial Day activities gear up despite cool weather

For Senior Ditch Day, some suburban high school students decided to hit the beach, though temperatures were in the 60s and the water colder.

"It's a little cold but we all brought our sweatshirts and we're ready, it's all for the spirit of the day," said Kendall Kott, a student. "We're graduating next week so we're excited to get summer started early."

"This beach is usually packed, you can barely see the sand when you're here, so it's nice to have a private beach day for ourselves today," said Brittany Guido, a student.

All Chicago beaches officially opened Friday except Humboldt Park.

Beachgoer Nicki Pollack was surprised more people weren't out.

"Honestly I don't know, it's kinda making me sad and upset," Pollack said. "Like I don't understand and I'm just confused."

Lifeguards were on post sporting their new uniforms, though most of it was hidden under jackets and warm layers.

Wave runners were moored, and Jet Ski Chicago was closed at North Avenue Beach.

"It's been better days, but I'm sure once it gets warm, like everything else, it'll be packed," said Jose Vallejo, who works at Jet Ski Chicago.

It looked the same at Belmont Harbor Marina. The slips were full, but with very few people.

In Westmont, Ill., the Memorial Day weekend traditional continues.

The grills have been dusted off and 100 professional and amateur grill masters from across the country have gathered here for the eighth annual Red, White and Barbeque Festival.

"The first turn in is tomorrow at noon, so they'll be up all night cooking this one and then turn around back to back and start cooking the second one," said Chris Svitak, chairman of the festival. "It's gonna be a long weekend for them."