When it comes to the May 24 holiday residents typically choose between venturing to the beach or parade to watch the colourful festivities.But there is a lot more to love about the Bermuda Day celebrations, according to the people polled by The Royal Gazette’s Lifestyle section.Premier Craig Cannonier said he would be stationed at the flagpole tomorrow to watch the parade unfold, but in previous years he has set up a tent with his family near Dundonald Street to enjoy refreshments and traditional Bermuda foods.“We watch everything from the race to the parade and stay there for the duration of the day,” he said. “My favourite part of the day is watching the parade and watching the many characters that typify Bermuda on that day.“I am also very much encouraged and love to see the young people participate. I have seen a growth in numbers of young people participating in bands and majorettes and it’s good to see the young people being involved in activities that are constructive.”Mayor of Hamilton, Graeme Outerbridge said he is looking forward to watching the Appleby Bermuda Day Half-Marathon kick off tomorrow.“This year, as in previous years, I will watch the runners from my favourite perch near Greene’s Guest House. Later in the day my wife and I will come into Hamilton to see the parade.“We will sample some of the wonderful food from the stalls and soak up the atmosphere and excitement of Bermuda Day,” he added.Tom Butterfield, the Masterworks Foundation head, said he will be taking part in the parade for the first time this year, but hopes to get some relaxing in later in the evening.“As a former runner the one thing that I really used to look forward to was the Bermuda get-together on May 24, running the half-marathon in front of enthusiastic Bermudians and residents,” he said.“To be in the parade this year will mean chilling out in the morning and then doing the route and probably going home after to put my feet up and enjoy a glass of Chardonnay. After all isn’t that what the ‘first day of summer’ is all about?”Kristin White, the executive director of Raleigh Bermuda, said her favourite part of Bermuda Day is basking in the sunny weather.“It’s as if the whole country comes out of hibernation — we shake off our sweaters and long pants, and pull out our shorts and sandals. It’s fabulous to just sit and enjoy the heat.“My other favourite part is driving through Hamilton the day before to see everyone camped out for the spots! It’s such a fun and funny Bermudian tradition — I love it.”Ms White plans to sleep in tomorrow morning and then quickly get to a spot on Cedar Avenue where she can watch the first runners come in.“This year is extra special as one of my amazing friends, Eldrina, is running for the first time, plus an entire team, the Weekenders, is running to raise money for Raleigh Bermuda, so I’ll likely be hoarse by the end,” she said.“After the race, we’ll move over to where our friends and family sit on the corner of Church and Parliament Street to watch the parade. Highlights are swizzle, food, laughs, swizzle, Gombeys, more swizzle and the PHC Majorettes and Drum Corp.“This group is led by one of my best friends, Tawana, and she works so hard throughout the year for this day so when she comes down the road, all of us get up and scream, dance, and generally act the fool to give her a boost! All in all, one of my favourite Bermuda holidays.”Jewellery designer Alexandra Mosher said she plans to start the holiday early this year — as she is expecting two friends to visit from overseas.“My fiance and I have been training for the Appleby Bermuda Day Half-Marathon, so all four of us will run the race, then wander (dance? limp?) through the Bermuda Day Parade to Barr’s Park to get picked up by boat to head to a raft up in Paradise Lakes.“Later that evening the girls and I are going to have a little champagne toast in my new boutique! I cannot wait for this fabulous long weekend to begin,” she said.Baker Jamie Carmichael, of Dream Wurx Cakes, said he will be working this year and won’t get to enjoy the festivities. He said: “Usually I take the day off and relax. I typically watch the race in the morning then wing it for the rest of the day. For me it’s a prelude to the coming of summer. Beach, fashion, and fun.”