Community events the cure for summer boredom

Now that we've got summer what are we going to do with it?

It's that time of year when we're all so excited about running around wearing shorts and T-shirts, and driving with our car windows down we don't even think about what we're going to do for the next couple of months. Well, school is out this week, so it's time to think. We live in Nova Scotia so we don't have a huge window of opportunity here. It's time to come out of hibernation, hook up with family and friends and find out what's going on.

First up: Canada Day celebrations.

Local communities have great activities planned during the weeks surrounding Canada Day this year. Bedford begins celebrating on June 25, and carries on through July 1. Featuring concerts with pyrotechnic shows, sporting tournaments and outdoor movies, this year Bedford Days looks like a fun time for all. From senior's dinners to children's bouncy castles, there's a little something for everyone. www.bedforddays.ca

Sackville Patriot Days has been a successful festival for many years and by the look of the event calendar, this year will be the same. From June 23 to July 3, festival goers with be walking trails, listening to concerts and attending car shows. The Canada Day Parade always draws a good crowd, and of course the firework display at First Lake always gives Halifax a run for its money.

www.sackvillenovascotia.ca.

Fall River Canal Days promises three fun filled days starting on July 1 with a sausage and eggs breakfast at St. John's United Church. Later that day you can sign up for the fishing derby, dress up your pooch for the dog show, and find a comfortable spot to watch the Sea Kings fly by. Visit www.district2news.com for a complete calendar.

There are several charity fundraiser walks, barbeques and dances throughout the summer. June 26 will mark the first-ever Grand Day for Cobequid. Dubbed a Kayaking and Canoe adventure, this event is being held at Grand Lake and promises to be a wet and wild fun filled day. www.cobequidfoundation.ca

For a truly environmentally friendly day in the sun, you can join Walter Regan from the Sackville Rivers Association on June 26 for a little trail clean-up, and again on July 17 to throw some rocks without getting in trouble.

www.sackvillerivers.ns.ca

Jumping over local historical property tours and teas, beautiful lakes, beaches and walking trails we arrive on Weir Field where on Aug. 21 you'll find hundreds of people rocking out to everybody's favourite weekend working band from the '80s - Loverboy. Entertaining the community since 2006, Weir Rockin' is the little concert that did.

www.weirrockin.com

So there you have it. Duck Dashes, Car Shows, Kids Triathlons, Art Shows, Sporting Events, Gardening Shows and picnics for Teddy Bears all right here in your own backyard. Looks like a pretty busy summer after all.

For summer events throughout the summer keep checking our Weekly Community Calendar.

blhall@eastlink.ca