The Summer Solstice came in on Saturday with a surge of heat and humidity. We are in our typical summer time pattern with an occasional shower to offer some relief. The early part of June was more pleasant with even below normal temperatures.

Now plan your day and do outdoor activities in the early hours. After all, this is South Carolina and it’s summer time.

July 4th is fast approaching and this year will be different in our county due to the pandemic. For over 50 years, we have celebrated the 4th with Gilbert’s Lexington County Peach Festival. Drawing thousands of people, it was the place to be for the parade, peach ice cream, peaches, dignitaries, queens, entertainment and fireworks. Peaches were king and the American flag waved for patriotism. Hopefully next year we will all be there!

ANNE BULL reports that the Dog Days of summer are here. Officially, they begin July 3 and last until August 11. This date coincides with the dawn rising of Sirius, the Dog Star. Sirius is the brightest star in the sky not counting the sun and under favorable conditions it can be seen with the naked eye during the day. Summer folklore tells us that rain during this time is a bad omen, such as stated in this verse:

Dog Days bright and clear

Indicate a happy year;

But when accompanied by rain,

For better times, our hopes are vain.

We could certainly use some better days ahead but it sure is bad we may have to have a dry spell to get them.

THERE IS NO chicken drama from the Wingards to report but they do have a duck tale. It seems the duck they called Ned that has taken up residence with them has laid eggs. Ned is now called Nettie.

NOW THAT summer is here, how about a visit or even a picnic in the park? In Lexington you may visit:

• Caractor Park at 804 Hendrix Street, behind the Lexington Medical Center.

• Corley Street Park at 210 Corley Street

• Gibson Pond Park on Gibson Road

• Lexington Square Park at 205 East Main Street, our town’s newest addition.

• Palmetto Collegiate Institute and Leonard Price Gardens across Church Street from Town Hall for parties and receptions.

• Paw Park, a 3-acre park for dogs and their owners at 989 Hendrix Street.

• Virginia Hylton Park behind Town Hall on Maiden Lane.

We also have The Market at Icehouse Amphitheater for fresh produce, plants and many vendor items. They are open from 9 to noon on Saturdays through September except July 4.

OUR GREATER Lexington Chamber of Commerce plans to hold its annual Business Lexpo Thursday, July 9 at River Bluff High School.

Just a few ideas for summer activities amidst Covid-19:

• Cool off with a run thru the sprinklers

• Nap in a hammock

• Indulge in a popsicle or ice cream cone dipped in chocolate.

• Read that book you long wanted to.

• Sip on lemonade on your deck while watching the beautiful sunset!

• Enjoy whatever you choose to do.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to June Fusco, Alacia Caughman Quinton, Molly Bonnell, Charlotte Wiman, Russ Mellette, Judy Pinckney, Karen Dial, Sally Freeman, Matthew Whitehouse, Emily Adams, Marietta Staton, Mary Cha Brabham, Joshua Keiper, Peggy Samotis, Sophie Keiper, Ali Cato, Corey Coleman, John Drafts, John Early, Sharon Shealy, Vic Barwick, Ben Davis, Luke Davis, Rynn Fitzpatrick, Jan Hendrick, Lindsay Lyon, Cody Epps, Jack Hayes, Marilyn Boyd, Sylvia Howell, Barron Keel, Kati Morris, Bobbie Roof, Kayla Skipper, Peyton Windham, Bodie Hester, Gracen Torbett, Melissa Rawl, Ben Gies, Jason Gordon, Randy Scott, Rob West and Richard Eckstrom

Next week: July 4th activities.