Happy Fourth of July! It seems that we have arrived rather quickly at this point of the summer, with the memory of the cold and snow of winter still fresh in our minds. Despite that memory, I must admit that I have recently come close to breaking my February resolution that I would not complain about the heat this year. One of the things I’m most enjoying this summer is the presence of several hummingbirds who visit our feeder. While they are well-behaved most of the time, there have been a few altercations over territorial rights, and these tiny birds can make a surprisingly loud ruckus when they are upset with each other.

As we all celebrate this weekend, with fireworks, picnics, and parades, I hope everyone will take just a moment to remember why we celebrate. It’s hard to imagine the kind of courage and conviction that was exemplified by those who we now call founding fathers and mothers of our country. Would we be able to demonstrate the same devotion to an untried cause? Are we prepared to support the ideals to which they devoted themselves? And are we all willing to accept not just the privileges, but also the responsibilities of citizenship and the freedoms granted to us by our national and state constitutions? Our local community has recently been reminded that while we have the right to make decisions about our private lives, when we choose destructive paths and illegal behaviors those choices have a true ripple effect, touching the lives of more people than we can imagine.

The beginning of July means it’s almost time for the Lycoming County Fair! I am planning my visits so that I can sample as many of the great food items and displays as possible. The fair association has done a great job of making the various livestock buildings comfortable for the animals and those who want to get a close look at them. If Mother Nature will cooperate and keep the temperatures at a manageable level it will be even better. With all there is to see and do, the admission fee is a real bargain, especially if some in your group want to indulge in the many rides. Let’s all see each other at the Fair!

Hughesville events

Thurs. July 10, Lycoming County Fair Preview Night and Fireworks

Fri. July 11, 10:30 a.m. Pre-school Story Hour at Hughesville Area Public Library, 146 South Fifth Street.

Sat. July 12, 9 to 4, 40th Annual Summer Antiques Market on the Green in Eagles Mere. Age 12 and under Free.