How do you spell summer?

F U N The time is here and we should make the best of it. Whether family outings, neighborhood gatherings, or quiet times out on the deck or porch, enjoying the beauty of a Georgia summer is not to be missed. Concerts in the park, farmers markets offering a bounty of fresh products and goodies, outdoor celebrations and traditional 4th of July celebrations make this season one to enjoy, commemorate and make the best of our magnificent weather. Grilling The right grill, the perfect marinade, and the right amount of heat can make a sizzling grill bring forth the best meat, chicken, pork, seafood and veggies for a great outdoor cooking spree. Choosing the best cuts of meat makes it easier to accomplish the great grilling taste and flair this summer. Favorite cuts of meats include New York Strip and Porterhouse steaks. And don’t be afraid of a little fat—grilling affords us the ability to get rid of a significant amount of the fat count in certain cuts of meats. Wonder if the steak is cooked right? Temperatures for doneness are: Rare: 140° Medium Rare: 150° Medium: 160° Medium Well: 165° Well-done is, to many, a criminal act; however, for those who request a well-done steak, 175° (or no red in center or elsewhere) or so should be just right. Don’t forget the veggies. Grilled vegetables cook better if brushed with high-quality oil. Sprinkle fresh herbs on the vegetables for added flavor. Make sure you invest in a good grill, a thermometer and a great set of knives, along with grilling tools. Worth checking out:     Meats – Ferguson’s Meat Market, Cumming     Grill – Big Green Egg (available at Blue Mountain Shoes, Cumming) Cities and counties throughout Georgia feature great bands, including local talent, during outdoor festivals and concerts. All you need is a blanket, picnic basket, family, friends, and time to enjoy. Movies in the Park Cumming and Johns Creek 7 pm Family-friendly events that begin with a festival and conclude with a movie being shown on a huge inflatable movie screen in the park. July 18 - Newtown Park in Johns Creek August 7-8 North GA Film Fest at the Forsyth Fairgrounds in Cumming August 15 - Ocee Park in Johns Creek Riverside Sounds Roswell Riverside Park 7:30 pm July 11 The Sounds of Essence: A tribute to Motown legends Aug 1 Kingsized: A tribute to Elvis Youth Fishing Derby Brookside Office Park Lake Alpharetta Saturday, July 25 8-11 am A great event for those ages 5 through 12. This free event requires pre-registration; call 678-297-6140 Old Soldiers Day Parade 2009 American Legion Post 201 201 Wills Road, Alpharetta Saturday, August 1 8:45am Alpharetta City Band: 9:30am Program: 10:15 Parade Be part of the 57th annual parade that pays tribute to war veterans. Free hot dogs, soft drinks and activities at the parade finish. Along with the program and parade, this celebration will also feature floats, bands, entertainment, children’s activities, and prizes. With so much to celebrate, take this day to recognize the living memory of all veterans of war. Summer at Zoo Atlanta Birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, along with unique flora in bountiful at the zoo! Take a day and visit the zoo or join one of the safari day camps.      July 16 Discovery Talk - Carnivores – Your evening begins with a stroll to visit the spotlight species, and drinks and mingling in the Conservation Action Resource Center. From imperial kings of beasts to beloved two-toned bears, Assistant Curator of Carnivores Dr. Megan Wilson shares trade secrets on keeping big cats and giant pandas healthy – and how those efforts help keep the vanishing wild on the map. Now through August 3 Summer Safari Day Camp – Campers are encouraged to get ready for a spectacular journey around the world and back. Summer Safari Quest Day Camp – A special camp session designed for the older kids. Visit www.zooatlanta.org for details on all their summer events. Here are a few more fun things to do this summer: 1.    Rent a tandem bike for a day. Grab a pal, hop on and pedal off for some good laughs-and who knows what you’ll see! 2.    Go camping...in your back yard! Pitch a tent, grab some sleeping bags, and head out your back door. Sleep under the stars, listen to nature’s melodies, and, best of all, no worries about where the privies are located. 3.    Still have what it takes to fly a kite? Then go do it! 4.    Read. Yes, find that book that will pique your interest and take you away from the daily routine and engage yourself with a good story. Summer reading ideas are bountiful, and a trip to your favorite bookstore is likely to provide you with great choices. 5.    Create your very own summer shirt – decorate a t-shirt with things that scream “summer fun.” Stop by a craft shop and choose your favorite items to decorate your masterpiece. Need more? Then a trip to Hiawassee may be thing to do! Beginning July 15, the Georgia Mountain Fair takes place at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds (Hwy, 76 west of Hiawassee).  The fair includes carnival rides, arts and crafts, concerts, photo exhibits, dance and sock hop and a whole lot more! Daily event schedule is available online at www.GeorgiaMountainFairgrounds.com. The fair runs through July 25. It’s time for me to enjoy a fresh vine ripe tomato sandwich and sit out back…and make plans for the best summer yet!