Well, it’s that time of year again, and I for one couldn’t be happier as far as our recent change in the weather goes. Granted, it’s been a trifle warm for anyone’s taste, but anything is better than freezing temperatures and two feet of snow, not that we had all that much of that to deal with over the winter.
Personally, I’ve always tried my best not to complain once summer arrives, like some, even when the sweat is pouring into my eyes and I can’t get rid of that ... sticky ... feeling. As a lifelong resident of Chenango County, you’d think I’d be used to our area winters by now, but I’m not.
What’s best, however, if you ask me, is the sheer volume of summer fun that’s out there to be had. From last weekend’s Rolling Antiquers Antique Auto Show and Flea Market to September’s Colorscape Chenango and everything in between, including Gus Macker, the Chenango County Fair, this weekend’s Pageant of Bands and – my personal favorite – the Chenango Blues Fest (not to mention the blues committee’s Summer Concert Series), it seems there’s always something to do come summer.
Talking to some people, though, you wouldn’t think so.
What can I say? I’ve always held a grudge when it comes to those individuals who can’t seem to find anything positive to say about our little corner of upstate New York. Sure, we’re no Syracuse – or even Binghamton – when it comes to sporting events or entertainment, but what we’ve got ... well, we’ve got it pretty good.
And no, I’m not ignoring the handful of issues that our local communities are facing, but that was last week’s column, if you’ll remember.
Today ... well, I’m feeling a bit more positive. Which is funny considering the number of people who have commented on the depression factor involved in my coverage of our local fire, police, emergency and court beats. And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked over the past year or so, “Doesn’t all that crime and violence, all those accidents and fires get you down?”
The answer is ... it does, sometimes. But most of the time, no, it’s simply part of my job.
Regardless, there’s usually some good to balance the bad, which is why I get so excited for our county’s summer season. Last weekend, it was the car show and flea market (more flea market, less car show for this reporter). This weekend, the Pageant of Bands. Even Gus Macker doesn’t bother me the way it used to (I used to run for the hills every year our infamous 3-on-3 basketball tournament came into town), and – as always – I’m looking forward to handing out our yearly Macker edition (which is free, by the way).
Fast forward a bit, and I have our hometown daily’s coverage of the Summer Concert Series (love it); the Chenango County Fair (like it); and Blues Fest (love it ... a lot) to look forward to. Music being my first calling, the former and latter are certainly a joy to write about – and experience – while the fair ... the fair is just fine, I guess. I’ve never been a devout fair-goer, needless to say, but now, as a reporter, it’s a nice opportunity to get out of the cubicle, get out there among our readers, take some fun photos and – last but certainly not least – chow down on some fried dough.
I guess what I’m getting at is this, life is what you make of it, a mindset that can also be applied to our area summers. And I suppose if you’d rather sit inside and complain that there’s nothing to do, that’s your right. As for me, taking advantage of all there is to do in Chenango County seems like a no-brainer. So much of it is free (easy on the wallet), it’s always fun (good for the soul) and ... let’s face it ... there’s plenty of fun to be had if you’re willing to suffer some of that sweet summer sunshine.
Does it really get any better than that?
Follow me on Twitter ... @evesunbrian