Should the sun start shining for more that two or three days in a row … and Saturdays being one of those days (it seems every Saturday for the past month has been cloudy, rainy and downright miserable for getting outside to work or play), the unofficial summer season begins this coming Monday, Memorial Day, and, hopefully, tourists will start flocking to the region.

Our region depends on tourism and depending on the weather, it’s a make or break time for local businesses. Having gone through one summer (I am sure there were others, but this one comes to mind) during my college years, where the 30 days in June were mostly shrouded in clouds and fog, the tourists didn’t come and not making money at a local restaurant to pay my college bills left me (and many others) in a difficult situation. I even inquired about an advance from my employer – but they were in the same situation so it was declined.

We growl when the streets are crowded and people don’t use the sidewalks or crosswalks, or ride their bikes in the middle of the road or down the wrong way on a one-way street, but that has been happening for years. If you are a motorist and come across those scenarios, try taking a deep breath and exercise some patience. You will experience it again but your stress level will ease this time.

We do hope the summer of 2025 will be prosperous and nice weather will prevail. With organizations and businesses planning on being busy with events and keeping the cash registers (or credit card readers) humming, the all-too-short tourism season is on the doorstep and hopefully we can all enjoy it to its fullest.

P.S., Happy Memorial Day. Take time to remember the fallen who fought for our freedom.