Garage sales, fairs, parades, summer sun and plenty of fun

June offers sun-worshippers and fun-lovers a chance to ponder the possibilities of the upcoming summer offerings available locally and abroad. From farmers’ markets to festivals and concerts to hitting the lake for a swim, picnic or camping trip — summer is coming and 2017 promises to be a doozy.
There are local community celebrations. There will be community-based and nationally-based Canada 150 parties and happenings across the country. This summer is definitely one to travel abroad from coast-to-coast to check out what Canada has to offer, or at the very least travel somewhere you haven’t been in Canuck Country, even if close to your own backyard.
Municipal and rural residents are gearing up to purge and sell their junk and other residents will want to buy new treasures at garage and yard sales — it’s the circle of life for gently-used but new to you goods. There will be farmers, crafters and the like selling their home-grown products at fairs and markets. Kids will get their fair share of bouncy houses and face painting throughout the various community celebrations scattering the landscape this summer.
Soaking up the sun, cooling off in a river, lake, pool or waterpark, sipping libations on a deck or patio, cooking hot dogs and marshmallows on an open fire, barbecuing meats and veggies, playing outdoor games, riding on midway rides at some fair, rodeo or celebratory event, and taking a trip for a family vacation. Summer is indeed a time to unwind, relax and enjoy what life has to offer.
Canada Day will also be one to remember and one for the record books. Many communities will be raising the Canadian flag high, while partying like it’s 2017 — 150 years is a milestone and must be celebrated Canadian-style.
Canadians are proud of their country and like to show it. Red and white will be flowing and flying from the east and west coasts on July 1 and leading up to it. Have a maple bacon poutine, put on a toque, pet a beaver, share a two-four of Canadian brew, listen to some Hip, say “eh” and be as stereotypical as a Canadian can — show our North American counterparts our fondness of Canadianisms or at least what others think of us.
This summer, get outside and take in what the summer brings. Hopefully, not a lot of rain and severe stormy weather. Spend time with family and friends. Make some new friends. Invite a neighbour over for a barbecue. Have a community or neighbourhood garage or yard sale. Put on a family reunion. Be summer-inspired.