SUMMER’S NOT just for outdoors! Fellowship with friends and family while experiencing our area’s best arts and entertainment, indoors and out. Don’t forget the fireworks, but there’s more than fireworks lighting up the skies; there’s an explosion of things to do and places to go.
As summer’s heat bears down, the footlights come up on local arts and entertainment. Escape into the air-conditioned theatre for a play or musical, where you’ll be transported while supporting your local arts center. While there, consider exhibits and classes for all ages where you might discover a new hobby or untapped natural talent.
When it comes to art classes, don’t forget area studios for a wide variety of things to do this summer. There’s something for adults and children.
The Millennium Repertory Company at the Manchester Arts Center is hosting its summer drama camp, Surf ’s Up, June 12-16. Open to ages 7-12, students will learn songs, scenes, and dances from popular beach movies like “Teen Beach Movie” and “Moana.”
Joel Longstreth said, “There’ll be an acting, singing, and dancing portion that will be showcased in a production presented on Saturday for free to parents and those who want to attend.”
Drama camp teaches more than theatrical skills, and it’s open to all children.
“Anyone can come to this, even if they’ve never tried out for a show or been in a show. The program is an opportunity for children to be on stage, which gives them self-confidence while having fun at the same time. Many discover talents they never knew they had. They learn teamwork and cooperation because they work with a number of kids to put on a show,” Longstreth said.
Escape the heat and humidity with a great book, whether under your favorite shade tree or in the most comfortable chair at home. Find a new favorite author or genre while your children make their selection for the library’s summer reading program. You can borrow books using your library card online if you’d rather not leave the comfort of home to snag a current bestseller or an old classic you’d like to rediscover.
Other camps for kids, like the Manchester Parks and Recreation Summer Day Camp, offer fun and activities. The program is open to kids ages 5-12 and runs May 31- June 30 and July 10-28, Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Limited spots are available, and a weekly fee is due to participate. Contact the center for more information as soon as possible.
Don’t forget long-standing community events and traditions. Summer standards include fairs, festivals, cook-offs, tractor pulls, and vacation Bible schools.
So why not try something new this year, along with your favorite annual summer events, projects, and programs? For up-to-date information on these and many more, bookmark the Good News events calendar and check it often.
You never know what you’ll discover in your own backyard! GN
