In case you couldn’t guess, with the heat, wind and combines, summer has arrived.

But despite the temperatures, city and county officials, and scores of volunteers are bringing back the myriad of local summer traditions that make Great Bend a great place to live.

Every Thursday in Jack Kilby Square, local and area food and craft vendors sell their homegrown and homemade items as part of the Summer Street Stroll farmers Market. A little later in the evening, the Great Bend City Band performs in the band shell and there is a free movie shown there as well.

Such events are what make smaller communities like ours so special. They showcase what tremendous and diverse local talent we have while providing a venue for residents to gather in a low-pressure, relaxed atmosphere.

The concerts date back to the city’s founding days, but the market is a relative new comer. However, it has made its mark as part of our city’s rich tapestry.

Barton County Health Department Health Educator Janel Rose and Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes put in countless hours to promote these events. Now, it is up to us.

Thursday’s in the town square just scream Americana. Sadly, such activities elsewhere have faded into the dusty pages of history.

Not in Great Bend. Now, we must all do our best to attend the market and/or the concerts and show our continued support.

P.S., another long-standing tradition, the Barton County Fair, is also around the corner.

There is certainly a lot to do.

Dale Hogg