Keep making those summer memories

Was it really that long ago when this approximate date on the calendar was met with such unbridled joy, anticipation, celebration and enthusiasm?

Of course, we are talking about the day when school let out for the summer.

Running out of the classroom, swinging the (mostly) empty schoolbag in the air. Unclipping the pre-made tie and pulling the shirttails of that white uniform dress shirt out of your pants.

Chanting, “No more pencils. No more books. No more teacher’s dirty looks.”

Every day for the next two months would be devoted to Little League games, swimming at the swim club, wiffle ball games in the backyard, family week at the Jersey Shore, a night or two with Dad at the Phillies game, the annual 4th of July picnic with the extended family (Uncle Joe always brought the whole watermelon) and, once again, attempting to build that tree fort.

Of course, there also was that “educational” day trip in the station wagon to places like Washington, D.C., New York City, the Kutztown Folk Festival or the Conowingo Dam. Unfortunately, those trips were usually “highlighted” by battling traffic, sunburn, taking a wrong turn and getting lost or somebody getting car sick.

Long-faded memories from the family photo album? They don’t have to be. This can be a new summer of adventure and activity.

And the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board is helping. They have put together a long list of summer activities in the area. Plus, they are putting their money where their mouth is.

The VFTCB kiosk, the branded Mini Cooper car and the popular Monty the Fox mascot will be at many events.

Of course, the big event in Montgomery County this summer is the new Volta show by Cirque du Soleil, which appears under the big top at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks. It runs July 12 to Aug. 5.

But there are other options – on almost a nightly basis.

“We have an exciting summer tour planned,” said Ed Harris, chief marketing officer at the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board. “The tour is primarily focused across our backyard towns in Montco.”

A few of the stops – like the Trenton Thunder-Reading Fightin’ Phils minor league baseball game or the Normandy Farms Groove and Graze have already taken place. The VFTCB presence received a warm reception.

But a long list of activities