In Springfield where I live, the Ozark Empire Fair just finished its summer run on Sunday after ten days of the hottest weather of the year.  I always enjoy spending an evening at the fair to see the exhibits, the livestock, the people and politicians, although I leave it to the legions of young people to patronize the midway rides and booths offering giant teddy bears as prizes for feats of skill or more often luck.  The fair is one of the summer's highlights and the Ozarks version (in my opinion) rivals the state fair held in Sedalia a week or two later.

This is the high season for tourism in the lakes region and here in Branson where we office, visitors fill the shows, shops and attractions, providing major economic substance for the year.  Although the season has been strategically extended through the fall and into the winter holidays, the summer continues to be crucial to economic equilibrium for most enterprises.  Our office is just a couple of blocks above the lakefront landing, and I make it a point to avoid the traffic on "76 Country Boulevard," aka "The Strip," which  can rival some Los Angeles freeways I've encountered in the past.

It's a time when the boaters and floaters fill our rivers and lakes, seemingly satisfying some atavistic urge (which I share) to return to the water.  The floaters on the lower James River which fronts our farm have been having a great time judging from the hoots and laughter I hear rising from the river below my cabin.  A couple of weeks ago I drove over the Current River in the Ozark National Scenic Waterways and observed a flotilla of canoes, kayaks,  and other aquatic conveyances on that beautiful stream in the middle basin of the White River.  The importance of sustaining high water quality as essential to these summer activities can't be overstated.

This is also the season when youngsters spend a week or more at camp.  My stepdaughter, now 12 years old, was at Girl Scout Camp Finbrook several weeks ago, a highlight of her summer vacation from school.  Like others, she swam, did crafts, got sunburned and bug bit, joined past friends and made a number of new ones.  As a long time proponent of the Boy Scouting movement, I was heartened to read reports about this summer's Cenntenial Scout Jamboree in Virginia where thousands of scouts, including a good representation from the Ozarks, convened to learn new skills, meet new physical challenges and share friendships with boys from the entire country.

Here in the Ozarks, the Kanakuk Kamps on Table Rock Lake have had another busy season hosting campers from many states in a wholesome program that is widely recognized for its quality.  As one of our foundation's supporters, the Kanakuk organization recognizes the importance of keeping the lake and our streams clean.  This goal is essential for their program, but beyond that, it's the right thing to do.

And closer to home for me, my good friends John and Connie Johnson host their grandchildren every summer for "Horse Creek Camp" on the Horse Creek tree farm where they live and where my cabin is located.  I was in Alaska for the camp in July, but returned to see the major camp project, a tree house perched 14 feet above the ground in a grand old walnut tree.  Connie observed that this would be great for my little grandson when he's old enough to climb.  When the day comes, he'll probably break an arm or collar bone even as he has a wonderful time.

I hope you have managed to beat the heat and are having your own version of a wonderful summer.  The hot days will likely persist into September, but with Labor Day and the start of school just a few short weeks away, the season will soon be behind us for another year.  It's a special time, and one I hope you enjoy. 

QUOTE  OF THE WEEK