What makes you excited about summer? Our family made frequent moves through the years, due to work requirements, and always hoping to find the perfect Fourth of July town. Little did we realize, when we arrived 15 years ago in Lyndonville, NY, that we had finally arrived in the epicenter of Independence Day pride and joy! Community groups such as the Lions Club have worked for decades now to make sure the entire day is full of special events, with the village looking superbly manicured and patriotic thanks to its Dept. of Public Works. Families respond by making this the day of happy family reunions and picnics all over town. But the full 40-minute fireworks display capping off the day is the most spectacular anyone could ever hope to see! It's sometimes denoted as the "third largest in Western New York." But to us, it's THE ABSOLUTE BEST, because we are viewing it right there with our neighbors and friends, who truly appreciate what it means to live in a town that works hard to provide such a glorious Independence Day for its residents and guests. And a word to the wise: the most breathtaking spot to view them is from your comfy lawn chair on the high school baseball field, close to where they are launched. There they blossom above your head, filling the entire sky. A quiet place? Not exactly . . . just the gasping and whooping of all the folks who are mighty glad to be in Lyndonville on the Fourth of July!

Our monthly challenge for July of 2022 was Fireworks! Throughout the summer months, fireworks may be used to mark significant events. It’s a way for community to come together as they celebrate and watch fantastic displays. Where do you go to watch fireworks? Do you have an annual tradition with family or friends? Do you prefer to find a quiet place away from the noise?