WOOD: Summer events heating up
By AMBER WOODS, What's Going On
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When I think of summer, I think of patio parties, trips to the lake, fields of sunflowers, fireworks, bottles of cold Coca-Colas and reading the paper swaying on the porch swing while listening to the Temptations — followed by a cool evening walk with the dogs.
However, the patio’s steaming, the sunflowers are wilty and the Coke is warm — all tell-tale signs it must be the end of July. Yes, it’s the middle of summer so the hot, humid days are here to vacation for awhile.
Though summer technically only started 35 days ago, the shelves of stores seem to be announcing summer is gone and “Back to School” is here, so it’s almost confusing what month it is. But with the rest of July and all of August yet to come, the quintessential summer notions give way to the fact it, as Cole Porter penned the tune, “It’s Too Darn Hot.”
So we know it’s hot out and there’s more impending toastiness to come, so the name of the game is keep cool and have merry good times — not only for children, but adults too. Keep in mind some great summer activities that are either free or inexpensive.
We can start by taking a stroll on down to the Ottawa Library for the many activities it offers and enjoy the air conditioning. Stop for its children’s Story Time, Books & Babies, or book sale. Visit the Web site at http://www.ottawa.lib.ks.us/ or call at (785) 242-3080 for more information on activities for children and adults alike.
Make Tuesday night movie night. See what the buzz is about on the record-breaking film “The Dark Knight” (though be advised for children under 13) for only $5 on Tuesday or before 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Check http://www.ottawacrystalplaza.com for movie times and ticket prices.
What better way to cool off than in a cool dark theater and for $5? Another air-conditioned establishment is the Old Depot Museum, host to a new exhibit: “Grasshoppers, Grangers and Greenbacks.” Explore the exhibit and museum for a small admission charge. Call for details at (785) 242-1250.
If you do want to venture outside and history is your calling, stop in at the Dietrich Cabin, open 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays all summer. If you think it’s warm now, explore how the pioneers lived not only in the heat but in everyday life at the Dietrich Cabin.
Feeling more agricultural? Take a trip down to Richmond to Littlejohn’s Sherwood Farm and pick your own blackberries. Call (785) 835-7057 or visit www.happyhensbrand.com for more information and directions.
If you want the produce already picked, stop in for some fresh produce at the Second Street Market open from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday evenings or catch the Wednesday evening and Saturday morning market at Orschlen Farm & Home, 2008 S. Princeton St.
There’s nothing like a great dinner made of Kansas-grown products to fill you up with the good stuff. Cooking out on the grill is also a great way to keep the heat out of the kitchen and is easy on the pocketbook, too.
Invite a few people over and have patio party. Don’t forget to stop in at Pome on the Range and pick up one of their new varieties of wine and a bag of peaches. Just add a little vanilla ice cream to the peaches and you have a delectable and light dessert to go with that confection you made on the grill. Just add a few tunes and kick back in that comfy chair and watch the sun set — ah, one of the joys of a cool summer evening.
Of course nothing says summer like the pool. Head on over to the Ottawa Pool where little ones can enjoy the zero entry, swash-bucketing, overflowing umbrella fun, while bigger children can jump off the dual diving boards or romp in the large pool with the slides.
Not to worry adults, for 10 minutes before every hour you get the pool to yourself as children glare at you from the edges, just waiting like vultures for that whistle to blow to invade your quiet pool time. For hours and admission costs, call the pool at (785) 242-0076.
Summer is here to stay for awhile, so we can spend a little more time enjoying those activities that are not available in the fall, unless you’d like a really cold dip in the pool in November.
There is plenty of fun in store for the fall, but those “lazy hazy crazy days of summer” Nat King Cole was always singing about are here for another 59 days until September 22. Ah, then we can talk about my favorite season ... autumn.
Amber Wood is marketing director for the Franklin County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
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