Forget your worries by attending Southampton Days

Ever feel lost, anxious, confused and/or scared? Uncertain about tomorrow? Can’t find the energy or desire to try something new?

Comfort, security and confidence might be found, I think, in seeing and doing favorite things that routinely return, are safe and are, thankfully, so familiar.

Like Southampton Days, for example.

The Independence Week celebration, one of the most popular in the area, is back — for the 47th consecutive year — returning with time-tested classic events like a parade, fireworks, amusement rides and live entertainment.

Seen it all and done it all before, you say? That’s the point. It’s reassuring and feels very good.

Take in the happenings July 2 through July 7 in Southampton’s Tamanend Park, 1255 Second Street Pike. The fair opens at 6 p.m., and along with rides, games and food, you’ll find specials like a talent show on July 5, dog show on the 6th and Coach Bag Bingo on the 7th. There’s live music nightly — for free. July Fourth includes a parade along the Pike beginning at 9:30 a.m. and fireworks in Tamanend at 9:30 p.m. Have a hot dog, pizza, ice cream or any of the other available choices, and things are recovering.

Another plus is this year’s theme is “We are Family” For more information, visit Southamptondays.com.

Just as with all of us, Southampton Days has had to make adjustments during its nearly half-century life. Special events (the dog show, talent show and Coach Bag Bingo) weren’t always part of the fair but were added for an extra punch.

One of the most important areas of operation for the fair is security. It recently had to increase safety rules just as many other enterprises have had to do.

“Attendees have their possessions checked when they enter the fair,” said Stephanie Miller, vice president, Southampton Days Committee, the group that runs the affair. “We’ve done that for the past two years.”

The website adds more: “To expedite admission, it is recommended that all prohibited items are safely stowed prior to arriving.”

And to expedite return of your sureness and composure, please discard all feelings of fretfulness while enjoying the parade, fireworks or an amusement ride or downing an ice cream cone.