Bristling. An interesting-looking word, that. Copious. Also a curious word, especially when you stare at it for a few hours. Don’t stare at either word for a few hours, by the way. It’s worse than looking directly into the sun.

            Why begin with such silliness? Because both “bristling” and “copious” might be appropriate to describe the roster of events happening this summer. Lots of things to do. Many decisions to be made. Must. Make. Up. Mind. How?

            Try out “Now and When.” We’ll take a look at some of the extra items of interest this month (Now), and some previews of topics we’ll cover in further depth next month (When). Violà!

 

NOW I:

 

English Park is the site of the biggest Independence Day party around these parts, the Celebration of the American Spirit. Since we’re all patriots, we’ll just dispense with the fluff and like good Americans, get right to the meat of the matter:

 

Be at English Park at 6 p.m. to kick off the evening with music by local folk musician and familiar face, Heath Eric. He’ll perform in advance of a rollicking show by the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, with lots of heart-soaring flourishes and trills to set the mood for a massive fireworks display set to begin over the big river at 9. Bring a suitable seat and have a blast. The Celebration of the American Spirit is sponsored by the City of Owensboro, Time Warner Cable and WBKR.

 

NOW II:

 

To whet one’s appetite for all the fanfare and patriotic indulgences that come along with Independence Day, why not catch some 4th on the 3rd? Panther Creek Park will host their Family Freedom Firework Festival on Friday the third. Nice ring to that, no?

            Kids can jump around in those big inflatable house thingies and grown ups can enjoy food and music, and all can enjoy the fireworks display once it gets plenty dark.

 

NOW III:

 

The Dust Bowl is thought of as some John Steinbeck-penned, hungry, thirsty, “head west, yon Linkhorn” sort of movie that added insult to injury to a Depression-stricken nation. That it was. But here in Owensboro it’s also known as one of the finest exhibitions of basketball in the area. This year’s Bowl will be at Kendall-Perkins Park July 17 through 25 and will feature pick-and-rolls, back door cuts, alley-oops, dunks, wicked crossovers, sweet jumpers and more from all ages. Just because the high school, college and pro seasons are over doesn’t mean a fella can’t get his (or her) hoop on, right?

 

WHEN I:

 

Country music hottie (the woman who works in the office next to mine said that, not me. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. I mean, to each his or her own. What goes on behind closed doors is… all right enough. Let’s start again).

            Country music sensation Jason Aldean will bring a truckfull of hits like “She’s Country,” “Why,” “Johnny Cash” and more to the Big O Music Fest at Reid’s Orchard on August 1. Gates open at noon, with music set to start at 1 p.m. Openers include the likes of Colt Ford, Tabor Dame, Chris Young, Scott Lindsey, and more. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com or through the website bigomusicfest.com.

 

WHEN II:

 

Remember Murder She Wrote? Agatha Christie? Um, Scream?

            Scratch that last one. In fact, focus more on the second name, because the late Ms. Christie shall be conjured once again at RiverPark Center’s International Mystery Writers Festival, a gathering of top talent in the page-turner business and fans of the unknown, the who-done-it and the detectives whose prowess solve the most complex crimes.   

            This year’s Festival will be from August 11 through 16, and we’ll be covering it in more depth in the August edition of this publication. Or will we? Tune in next time to find out…