In the good old summertime!
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
Canada
May 20, 2007 8:18pm CST
I just responded to another discussion about a summer memory and it brought something else to mind. Growing up, we had a "homeowners' association" in our area. Every year, "the homeowners" used to hold a few neighborhood events. My absolute favorite was "Field Day." It always fell on or near my birthday in September and was the closing event to our summer.
The best part was that it was held in the big open field on the end of our block... two houses from our front door... so we didn't miss a minute! My sister and I would spend the day in the field, competing in the races (one year I won a set of lawn darts and thought that was the greatest prize EVER LOL), dancing on the "dance floor" (which was made out of the boards from the ice rink that would go up that winter), and even joining in some of the dance contests (anyone remember The Locomotion?).
Without fail, Dad would give us money to buy hot, fresh corn on the cob for dinner. Between the two of us, we had to carry home a dozen ears of steaming, buttered corn. It was sooooo good!! We'd have hotdogs or ice cream and all sorts of other treats throughout that day. To me, it was like the town threw me the best birthday party every year... even all my school friends would be there with their families. It was the most wonderful time and I will never forget it.
Please share your favorite summer memories... did you have a special activity too? A yearly vacation? Even a favorite swing at the park that seemed to go higher than all the rest? Let's reminisce!
2 people like this
2 responses
@awonderfullife (2893)
• United States
23 May 07
When I was growing up, our neighborhood threw a big block party every July 4th. It was the best time ever! We had games, relay races, and several neighbors opened up their pools for all to use. The kids would all decorate their bikes with red, white and blue crepe paper and flags and then we'd have a big parade. There was a cake decorating contest and a white elephant auction. Everyone made food and we had a huge buffet table at dinnertime. We also had dancing-- this was the 70's so the BeeGees adn disco dancing were popular. The day ended with a fireworks display. I looked forward to it every year.
1 person likes this
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
23 May 07
Block parties must be a hoot! It seems, these days, that many neighbors are less inclined to be close or even friendly. There's a cul de sac in our area that does have some sort of celebration every summer but not at the level of your 4th of July block party! I can see why you remember it so fondly! All the decorations and activities for the kids... and who can possibly forget the BeeGees? ;)
1 person likes this
@trinidadvelasco (11401)
• Philippines
21 May 07
i remember most those times when the family will go to the beach. we were lucky that we had an uncle who is a fisherman. during good and favorable dark nights, we will go fishing with him on his banca. it has always been an exhilarating whenever we venture on one. there was also an island, too small for a village to occupy thus it is uninhabited, which is so rich in natural marine life. the water was so clean and clear. my uncle used to bring us there also during summertime. i know that summertime will also be the favorite time of year for school children. these are the days to enjoy with the entire family.
@thinkingoutloud (6127)
• Canada
23 May 07
I would love to visit a beach such as the one you describe... it must be so beautiful to be able to go to an uninhabited island with such crystal clear water! What a wonderful memory!
