Midsummer Forecast: Fun Predicted

Children holding red ballons line the route of a parade in Norridgewock.

by Esther J. Perne

Take the summertime test . . . take a swim, take a hike, call a loon, follow the moon, fish in the rain. It's all the same — it's wonderful, it's freedom, it's Maine.

July is the month when sidewalk arts shows, country fairs, music festivals, and summer theater productions are in full swing, when berries are ripe, flowers abundant, and water sports enticing. July is the month to listen to the crickets, take the kids to a museum, get up slowly on weekends, and wear lots of sunscreen.

Rain? Take the rainy day test . . . discover umbrellas, rubber boots, wool sweaters, bare feet . . . go to libraries, movie theaters, book stores, children's programs, shopping . . . have a so-what, been-there-done-that-in-June attitude, let your kids stomp in puddles and swim among the raindrops, never cancel an outing, and reward yourself with flannel sheets (or cotton ones right from the dryer).

Children climb on a playground structure.

Rain? Take the townie test . . . window shop, café hop, park and walk. Scope out gift boutiques, sale racks, walk-in restaurants, posters with what's coming and what's gone by and what's in other parts of the state and might take a lot of gas in the car to get to.

Towns in this region are a lot closer that the natives think, and they are a lot smaller, too. They all have one main street, usually called Water Street, and they may be quiet at night. But they have great flavor, and individuality, and old brick buildings with founding fathers' names and dates of construction, and lots of secrets and charm.

Towns make great going-to, and great going-home- from destinations, and they are great for a change. And they have surprises . . . endless antique shops, art galleries in unexpected lofts or cellars, people with stories to tell, and outlets for restless children.

When in towns looks for Museums in the Streets, entertainment in parks, playgrounds, farmers' markets.

Take the children-in-tow test . . . take them to the lakes, on the trails, on bike paths. Take them to historic sites, children's theater events, concerts, festivals, pick-your-own berry farms, petting zoos, wherever you go. . . .

Leave them at children's programs, nature classes, recreation centers, swimming pools, day camp.

Retrieve them, buy them ice cream, love them. They are our future.

Take the pennywise test . . . there are 27 free events on this week's calendar, there are 7 free events not (but should be) on this week's calendar, there are free outdoor concerts almost every day of the week, free festivals almost every weekend, free trails absolutely everywhere, free parks by beautiful lakes, free friendliness in almost every shop.

A couple tends a yard sale table in Oosoola Park in Norridgewock.

Open Farms are free, sunsets are free, walks are free . . . and so much more, but don't be cheap. Take the splurge test . . . today, this week have a treat — a cup of good coffee, dark chocolate, a foot massage, new lingerie — or a souvenir t-shirt, a scenic plane ride, a round of golf with cart. Treat yourself to seafood dinner, summer theater, a coffee house, a rental boat, a music festival.

But save some money, too . . . August is approaching. August is the month for the feel of fall, the color of gold, the loon-calling contest in Belgrade Lakes, simmering bean hole beans, more country fairs, more sidewalk sales, more great gift ideas . . . more fun.

It's all in a midsummer forecast.

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Midsummer Forecast: Fun Predicted