Summer is not all that far away

Let’s talk about something else.

Let’s talk about … summer.

Not everyone loves summer — the heat and humidity can be unbearable at times — but just about everyone can find something they like about the season.

Summer.

It unofficially kicks off on Memorial Day weekend. Yes, the official start doesn’t come until June 21, but that final weekend of May is when it really feels like we’ve turned the corner.

Schools have finished off their years (most of the time), baseball sectional tournaments are being played, Portland Water Park opens. We celebrate with picnics with our family and friends — food cooked on the grill, backyard games, music.

Then comes Glass Days in Dunkirk. Or, starting this year, Dunkirk Community Glass Days.

Arts Place holds its Arts in the Parks program. Jay Community Center is bustling every day with its children’s summer day camp. Dunkirk holds its Webster-Depot Park summer concert series and Fort Recovery Friends of the Arts hosts concerts on Sunday nights at Hein Amphitheatre at Van Trees Park.

Fourth of July brings one of our two largest parades — its only rival is the homecoming parade — and the free community celebration at Jay County Fairgrounds. And there are fireworks all around in our communities.

You know what’s next, the Jay County Fair.

Think Lionburgers, tenderloins, whole hog sausage, May’s elephant ears and ice cream. Think rides and games. Think getting to watch 4-H members who have worked so diligently on their projects or with their animals. Think grandstand entertainment, from concerts to rodeos to bookend demolition derbies for the first time.

Most importantly, think knowing that you have to give yourself about a half hour to make your way back to your vehicle to head home, not because you’re necessarily parked far away but because of all of the friends who will stop you to chat along the way.

Then comes the Jay County Lions Band Contest at the fairgrounds. There’s the Vintage Motorbike Show, Indiana State Fair Band Day and the Tri-State Antique Gas Engine and Tractor Show.

There are baseball games, softball games and pick-up basketball at the park. There’s time spent at the playgrounds, walking the dog or just sitting out in the sunshine.

There are trips to the lakes, visits to amusement parks and weekend getaways. There are hikes at the Loblolly, festivals galore and classic car cruise-ins.

It’s all of those things, and so many more, that make the season special.

Summer. It’s not that far away. — R.C