Get ready for summer fun

It’s summertime and that means it’s time to hit the water park and get outside, now that we’re able to.

Last year was spent mostly in quarantine and many summer activities that are usually enjoyed during the hotter months were canceled due to COVID-19. This year is different. As of June 15, the state’s economy has fully reopened and many of the restrictions that we lived under for the past year have been relaxed. That means there are plenty of things to do this summer and we’ve included some of those activities in this month’s edition of Lifestyle magazine.

It’s also grilling season, so if you’re looking for a new recipe, take a look at Meals with Wheels. This month, Wheeler Cowperthwaite shares his recipe for blackened catfish.

Along with grilling comes the consumption of cold drinks. Many people make sun tea, which requires tea bags to be put in a jar with water and placed outside in the sun for a few hours to steep. Have you ever wondered where tea bags came from? If so, be sure to read this month’s Tea Tales column.

Norma Gurba shares some local history in her column and tells us about when pioneer

Ann Covington Dearborn came to the Antelope Valley.

Vern Lawson also revisits some local history in his Hometown History column, this time he takes us on a trip down Memory Lane with a look at a Fourth of July celebration of

years past.

We hope you have plenty of plans this summer! Next month, we’ll be back with our photo contest issue. Polish off your best photos and get ready to send them in!

Jennifer A. Garcia Antelope Valley Press Editor

10 a.m.-noon, June 26

Domenic Massari and Marie Kerr Parks

Welcome back! Come out and socialize with park staff and enjoy summer activities and pre-packed treats. Kids will make fun summer crafts and enjoy socially distanced water games.

Park Pop-Up

10 a.m.-noon, July 3

Anaverde Park

10 a.m.-noon, July 10

Joshua Hills Park

10 a.m.-noon, July 17

Manzanita Park

10 a.m.-noon, July 24

Pelona Vista Park

Recreational fun is coming to your local park. Music, sports ball equipment rentals and exciting socially distanced activities will be offered to help entertain kids on long summer days. The park staff will make sure everyone is welcomed and connected to the activities offered. Bring your family out to kick off the weekend!

FOURTH OF JULY

FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA

TBD, July 4

The City of Lancaster and City of Palmdale will celebrate the Fourth of July this year with a Fireworks Extravaganza at the AV Fairgrounds. It will be a ticketed event. Visit www.cityoflancasterca.org for more information.

KEEPING CANINES COOL WITH POOLS

9-11 a.m., July 9 9-11 a.m., July 23

Yellen Dog Park

Come keep cool in the pup pools! Pop-up dog pools will be available in both the small and large dog enclosures. Enjoy music and socialize with other fun furry friends.

END OF SUMMER BLAST

10 a.m.-noon, Aug. 7

Domenic Massari & Marie Kerr Parks

It’s your last chance to have fun before school starts and celebrate with park staff Hawaiian style! Join the hula party with fun games including hula-hoop ’til you drop, Hawaiian limbo and Kumu Hula says. A prepacked Hawaiian themed snack will be available while supplies last.

KEEPING CANINES COOL WITH POOLS

6-8 p.m., Aug. 10

Yellen Dog Park

Come keep cool in the pup pools! Pop-up dog pools will be available in both the small and large dog enclosures. Enjoy music and socialize with other fun furry friends.

END OF SUMMER SPLASH

6-8 p.m., Aug. 21

Yellen Dog Park

The dog days of summer are coming to an end! Celebrate with a splash. Dog pools, fun dog games, and yummy treats will be on hand for your canine bestie!

JOE DAVIES JR. MEMORIAL PLAQUE DEDICATION

9 a.m., Aug. 19

Joe Davies Heritage Airpark

2001 East Ave. P

The City of Palmdale will honor Joe Davies Jr., former Commander of Plant 42 and 32-year Air Force veteran with a memorial plaque dedication on National Aviation Day. Joe Davies Heritage Airpark was named after him on Feb. 7, 2008, for his many contributions to the Antelope Valley and his service to the aerospace and aeronautical industries. Joe loved the Antelope Valley and served three terms on the Palmdale City Council and on various civic and charitable Boards and commissions. He was honored to have the park named after him and he enjoyed giving personal tours.

AT LEGACY COMMONS SENIOR TAI CHI

8-9 a.m., Monday and Wednesday

Practice basic Tai Chi movements under the patio with volunteer instructor Aber. Registration is required at PlayPalmdale.com

SENIOR POWER WALKING

9:15-10:15 a.m., Monday and Wednesday

Power walk in place up to three miles under our covered outdoor patio. Registration is required at PlayPalmdale.com.

FIT, LEAN & FUN WITH ANNA MARIE

9-9:30 a.m., Tuesday

Get moving from head to toe while grooving to the music in this fun exercise class. Exercise movements can be modified to accommodate all physical abilities. Registration is required at PlayPalmdale.com

KNITTING 4 FUN WITH DENISE GREGG

9-10 a.m., Thursday

Grab some needles and yarn and join the fun! This social group shares knitting and crochet patterns, ideas and fundraising projects. New to knitting? These friendly ladies are more than willing to teach you this craft. Registration is required at PlayPalmdale.com

FIRST DAY OF SUMMER THEMED FOOD BANK

1-3 p.m., June 22

Celebrate the start of summer by cooling off with some Kona Ice during the drive-thru food bank. Call 267-5904 to schedule a pick-up time.

NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZEN DAY

Aug. 19

Celebrate the senior citizens in your life — including yourself — with lawn games and light refreshments at Legacy Commons.

KEEPING CANINES COOL WITH POOLS

JOE DAVIES HERITAGE AIRPARK