A ‘Splash of Summer’

You can see it in their eyes, that buzz of excitement, that can’t-sit-still energy. Kids know it. Teachers know it. Heck, we all know it: summer is knocking on the door, and it’s bringing sunshine, sandals, and a whole lot of smiles with it.
Sure, the calendar still insists it’s only mid-May, but let’s be honest, the vibe has already shifted. Temperatures are climbing, the fields are mostly planted, graduation caps are flying, and suddenly there’s a little more bounce in everyone’s step.
I’ve always loved this time of year. Spring, to me, feels like a long-awaited exhale after winter, full of promise and possibility. It’s like Friday afternoon on a seasonal scale as you can almost taste the freedom. And the best part is, the fun hasn’t even started yet.
Personally, I keep summer simple. Give me some time with my wife and family, frequent backyard barbecues and a stretch of green fairway at Poco Creek or any golf course for that matter and I’m in chill mode. Speaking of which, our local nine-hole track is looking as good as it has in years. If you haven’t been out there lately, now’s the time to dust off the clubs and tee it up.
Like many of you, we don’t have any big vacation plans this year. With the economy doing a roller coaster routine, staying close to home just feels right, and honestly, there’s no shortage of things to do right here in Hamilton County. You’d be surprised how many summer adventures are waiting within a 60-minute drive of Aurora.
With that in mind, our team at the News-Register has put together something special to help families make the most of summer. This week’s edition features our second annual “Splash of Summer” guide, a handy resource packed with fun, local ideas to keep kids entertained and adults engaged until school bells ring again in August.
And yes, believe it or not, there are still plenty of things for kids to do that don’t involve screens. Shocking, I know. But it’s true, and it’s healthy, for all of us.
So go ahead, Hamilton County, soak it in. Take a breather. Hit a trail, catch a parade, grill a burger, or simply sit on the porch and watch the world slow down for a little while. These are the moments that make small-town summers so special.
Let the sunshine, and the memories, begin.
KURT JOHNSON can be reached at kjohnson@hamilton.net