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School is out of session, and the first days of summer are officially on the books.
That means it's time for many of our communities to hold a variety of fairs and festivals.
Whether it is an observance of a particular culture, a special holiday or just an annual street fair, the Upper Ohio Valley has a variety of festivals packed into the summer months.
Some already have taken place, while many more are heading our way.
In Hancock and Brooke counties, for example, the next couple of weeks will feature several Independence Day observances, Follansbee Community Days and the Weirton Greek Festival (one of my favorites).
These are great times to see our residents come together, catch up with friends and family, and possibly even make some new acquaintances, all while enjoying a bit of their community.
Each town in our area has its own special flavor and history, and each has its own special way of celebrating.
Some festivals feature our local churches, some are organized by a group of residents who volunteer their time, some will last only a few hours while others will go on for several days.
Wellsburg's Fourth of July celebration, for example, goes for more than a week, with concerts scheduled every night, fireworks, A 5K race, fishing tournament, and the annual Oil Can Derby.
Follansbee, of course, has its Community Days, which will include multiple days of live music, vendors and more at Municipal Park.
Weirton has its Independence Day events set for this coming Saturday, with a parade, festival, fireworks and a performance by the Wheeling Symphony.
Then, the following week will be the Weirton Greek Festival, organized by All Saints Greek Orthodox Church and featuring a variety of Greek food and pastries, music and more.
St. Joseph the Worker Church is sponsoring its own festival later in the summer.
There are, of course, many other events in New Cumberland, Chester, Steubenville, Wheeling and across the region.
Just like each community, they have their own feel and traditions, helping to showcase the people of the area.
Through my job, I've had an opportunity to visit several of these events over the years, listening to local bands, sampling some food, watching some tractor pulls and bull riding, and meeting the people.
It's always an enjoyable experience, and it's one I try to encourage in anyone who is looking for something to do this summer.
After all, despite the cynical response from some residents, there actually is quite a bit to do in the Ohio Valley, if you're willing to take a few minutes and look around.
Let's face it, the communities of the Ohio Valley aren't really that far apart. It doesn't take that long to get from Chester to Follansbee, or Weirton to Wheeling.
If you're sitting at home on a nice evening, or are looking for something to do on the weekend, check out whether there are any concerts, fairs or festivals taking place, and think about checking them out.
Also, if you don't mind, a little bit of advice from someone who has to be extra careful this time of year.
Be sure to apply, and carry, plenty of sun screen whenever you do attend one of these wonderful community events.
I tend to burn easily, but I still have to remind myself. You don't want a festive afternoon to be ruined by painful, red skin, after all.
(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter @CHowellWDT)