Get out and enjoy summer

June 20 marked the Summer Solstice. The solstice is the longest day of the year and marks the beginning of summer.

Perhaps because I taught high school for so many years, the end of June always signals the beginning of summer vacation to me.

Summers in Winnipeg are fleeting, so let’s make this summer one to remember. The city comes alive during the summer months.

July 1 marks Canada’s 150th birthday. There will be special celebrations at the Forks, Assiniboine Park, and the Sunova Centre in West St. Paul. Be sure to get out and participate.

Festival season reigns supreme during the summer.  Both the Fringe Festival and the Winnipeg Folk Festival take place in July. August brings Folklorama and the Interstellar Rodeo Music Festival.

Besides the many festivals and organized events, the hot and sunny weather allows for many outdoor activities. There are free outdoor fitness classes offered in the Downtown area. Classes in zumba, yoga, pilates and crossfit are offered at Memorial Park, the Millennium Library Park and Upper Fort Garry. This is the time to get out and bike, hike, or roller blade in our many city parks. Let’s not forget the outdoor swimming pool in Kildonan Park.

Camping and spending a day at our many beaches is a perfect family activity. Entrance to our national parks is free all year to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday.

Personally, gardening is my preferred summer activity. My gardens are glorious. For me, it is a wonder to witness how each tiny seed grows into an edible plant or stunning flower.

This summer, I have tried to use every inch of arable soil. I have planted spinach, carrots, kale, peas, peppers and tomatoes. I am also experimenting with lovage, sorrel, purple potatoes and several kinds of ornamental corn. 

As always, that first taste of garden rhubarb or baby spinach is almost a sacred moment for me. It is a joy for me to watch my garden grow, and to reap the rewards of the harvest come the fall.

I also love my early morning walks around our lake. It is wonderful to observe the water birds…ducks, geese and pelicans, and to watch their babies grow. It is a reminder of the all too rapid passage of time.

So, whatever your summer passion may be, indulge in it this summer. The summer solstice is also the day with the longest hours of sunshine. We must be aware that each summer day has been a little shorter since June 20. Let’s remember to savour these fleeting days of freedom.

Joanne O’Leary is a community correspondent for Riverbend. Contact her at jeffandjoanne@hotmail.com