In Our View: Hot fun in the summer

Summer Motion 2024 started on Friday. The carnival has started each day at 5 p.m. so far. Starting today, the carnival will start at 4 p.m. with the usual many food vendors.

Concerts will start Tuesday evening with Worship Collective and Anne Wilson on contemporary Christian night.

Wednesday will be bluegrass night with headliner Jason Carter Band.

Thursday is country night with headliner Tracy Byrd followed by fireworks at 10:15.

This year included a pickleball tournament in Central Park, which concluded on Sunday. Visit summermotion.com for details on this year’s events. None of this would be possible without the sponsors and volunteers. Most all events, including the concerts, are free.

Keeping concerts free is quite a challenge for organizers. Musicians are commanding higher fees these days. What was a $30,000 concert 10 years may now be double in cost.

The annual Boyd County Fair will be Aug. 13-17. Ironton has a concert every Tuesday in its downtown area, and Huntington every Thursday at Pullman Square.

We can recall when the old Tri-State Fair and Regatta was in Ironton, Ashland and Huntington. Those days are gone due to the cost of the events. To Ashland’s credit, it has kept its portion alive due to the efforts of the Summer Motion Committee.

Don’t overlook the Greenup and Carter County Fairs each year. Carter is in early August and Greenup later in the month.

Our area is blessed with so many outdoor activities, such as various state parks, hiking and fishing opportunities. There’s also a 5K run nearly every weekend.

Get out and enjoy. If you’re bound for Florida or a cruise, remind others of our outdoor activities they don’t have. We’re thinking of white water rafting and mountain climbing in nearby West Virginia, and even cave exploring in Kentucky.

As Sly and the Family Stone use to sing, it’s “Hot Fun in the Summertime.” Enjoy.