Oh, the simple joys of summer: It’s the season when we walk barefoot in the grass; we watch kids run through sprinklers and throw themselves with abandon onto Slip-and-Slides; and we wear straw hats, t-shirts, sundresses and sandals while eating ice cream. Our gloomy weather had us always saying, “Oh, heaven let your sun shine down.”

Something had to give to drive away our climate madness. Valley neighborhoods have been looking to the sky, wishing on a star and waiting for a brand new start.

Here are our choices for shopping, dining and entertainment to swing into summer enjoying an enlivening, relaxing time filled with ways to make days brighter:

3          Swing into summer on a high note as you enjoy live music in the fresh air at the Shady Grove Picnic Series in Four Mile Historic Park. Weekly series is on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.

3          Yo ho, it’s hot! Cherry Creek Shade & Drapery offers shades to cool your home from the heat and cut energy bills. Information: 303-355-4223.

3          Light up your 4th at Four Mile Park’s Old Fashioned July 4th enjoying music, games and festivities, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Information: 720-865-0800.

3          Unwind listening to Jayme Stone’s music stretched out on the lawn at the Clyfford Still Museum July 11, 5:30 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.

3          Hit the pavement for sizzling summer deals offered by boutiques and businesses during the Cherry Creek North Sidewalk Sale July 17-20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thurs.-Sat.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: 303-394-2904.

3          Striking, bright abstract photos make a splash at Robert Anderson Gallery show opening July 18 with reception 5-8 p.m. Information: 303-388-1332.

3          Sip, swing, dine and dance into summer at Alliance Française’s Bastille Day at Four Mile Park July 19, 5:30 p.m. Information: 720-865-0800.

3          Summer heats up with concerts, rodeos, a demolition derby and carnivals at the Arapahoe County Fair, July 24-27. Information: 303-795-4464.

3          Let the kids shine this summer with fun activities alongside engaging them in reading divided up into three age-appropriate themes. Summer reading programs are at all 25 Denver Public Library sites, July 1-Aug. 9. In addition to reading, workshops, craft making and musical entertainment are offered at various branches. Information: www.summerofreading.org.

Summer frolics like a happy child between innocent spring and melancholy autumn waiting for us to embrace her unbridled delight for life. Even while weeding, watering and harvesting there’s time for theatre, musical performances and outdoor barbeques. Or just closing your eyes and listening to the birds singing in the trees.

The secret is in slowing down long enough to notice the miracles that surround us. Watch and listen for those occasions and activities that encourage us to slow down.

It might be stretching out under a tree and allowing yourself to unwind on a dreamy day. Or taking time in the middle of a workday to sit on a park bench and notice the shapes of the clouds as they billow across the sky. George Gershwin’s musical lullaby said it best: “It’s summertime and the livin’ is easy and the fish are jumpin’.”

— Glen Richardson

The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.

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