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.
Angie Jackson of Arty All the Time has a busy summer camp lineup.
Jackson said, “We have a fibers camp where we make different crafts such as needle felting, stuffie making, and weaving. And there will be a stop-motion animation camp. For older children, there’s a camp presenting different printing techniques. I’ll have open paint days where people of all ages can come in and paint whatever in-stock shape they wish.”
She continued, “As a public school art teacher, I have [more than] 30 years of experience with children. I know what projects they enjoy; these lessons are all big hits! The camps will meet two hours a day, four days a week, and the dates will be on the Facebook page,” said Jackson.
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 selections for the library’s summer reading program. You can borrow books using your library card online if you prefer not to leave the comfort of home to snag a current bestseller or an old classic you’d like to rediscover.
And don’t forget long-standing community events and traditions. Summer standards include fairs, festivals, cook-offs, tractor pulls, and vacation Bible schools.
The Raus community lowers the summer heat every June with its annual ice cream supper.
The Raus Community Center archivist, Carol Roberts, said, “Since 1955, community members make and bring homemade ice cream. Hamburgers, cakes, and ice cream are sold, with proceeds benefiting the maintenance of the community center. Cake walks and Bingo were a big part of years ago, but not anymore. We’ll start at 5 p.m. and keep going until we sell out. We usually have a bluegrass band that plays for us, too.”
You can save the date now for every year for this special evening. The ice cream supper is always the second Saturday in June.
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
