There’s nothing like an old-fashioned, small town celebration or festival for getting in touch with some of the basics.

Friendly conversation, music, hamburgers, hot dogs and brats.

This week, because of the 4th of July, is especially busy with activities. There were the parades in Lewiston, Johannesburg and the annual zaniness of Horton Bay, located about midway between Charlevoix and Petoskey.

Tonight at dusk fireworks will explode over Otsego Lake.

Today and Sunday antiques hunters will find fertile hunting at the Petoskey Antiques Show on the campus of North Central Michigan College.

And don’t forget fresh fruit and vegetables. The Gaylord Farmers Market is open every Saturday and Wednesday morning under the Pavilion until the end of summer.

A photo feature on the front of the Weekend Zone (Section C) highlights a local berry farm and people’s opportunity to pick their own berries.

And there’s the Friday night concerts under the Pavilion to kick off each weekend. And every Thursday night at 8 p.m.the Community Band will present an open air concert.

Interested in other musical choices. Check page C1 in today’s paper for Night Life that lists 15 different musical and entertainment venues in the area.

And then there is Alpenfest, the really big festival for a small town.

And it’s fast approaching (July 17 - 21), usually a guarantee for hot, sunny weather.

­— Frank Michels is the Herald Times design editor; he may be reached via e-mail at: frank@gaylordheraldtimes.com

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