Time for Summer Fun
By Susan Hunt-Bradford
June means summer has officially arrived in St. Louis — and with it comes a familiar debate. Is it the smooth, easygoing vibe of DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince’s “Summertime”(1991)?
“Summer, summer, summertime, time to sit back and unwind.”
Or are we bracing ourselves for something more like Bananarama’s
“Cruel Summer” (1984)?
“Hot city streets and the pavements are burning, I sit around. Trying to smile but the air is so heavy and dry.”
Here in St. Louis, it’s often a bit of both.
The weather plays a huge role in everything we do — especially when it comes to the outdoors. And let’s be honest: this past spring was a wild one. Sure, we say that every year, but this time really did feel wetter, windier, and just plain weirder than usual.
Still, there’s a silver lining: the rain has left us with some of the lushest, greenest grass we’ve seen in years. Everywhere you look, the city feels alive and vibrant — a beautiful canvas for summer activities to come. With warmer weather comes a packed calendar of outdoor festivals, fairs, and cultural celebrations. St. Louisans love any excuse to get outside, and this summer promises plenty of them.
If you’re looking to dive into the local arts scene, don’t miss Michelle “Mike” Ochonicky’s ARTful Living column in each issue of The Healthy Planet. Her monthly roundups offer fantastic insight into cultural events happening all over the region.
So, whether your summer is all about relaxation or more about endurance (ideally with a cold drink in hand and a scoop of ice cream from one of our many wonderful ice cream parlors), one thing’s for sure: St. Louis has something for everyone this season.And one last thing — a gentle reminder for fellow pet lovers: think twice before bringing your dog to outdoor fairs or festivals. As much as we love including our furry companions in our plans, summer events can be tough on them. Any event with an air temperature above 75°F, combined with hot pavement and crowds, is reason enough to leave them at home. Their paws aren’t protected from the heat, and navigating through a sea of legs and noise can be overwhelming and even distressing. What feels festive to us may be exhausting or dangerous for them. When in doubt, let them stay cool, comfortable, and safe — and greet you happily when you return.