Looking at a calendar, we still have seven weeks of summer – meaning we’re only half-way through our warmest season.

Mind you, that’s looking at a Julian calendar – the 365 (sometimes 366) solar recorder of days.

Looking at our personal calendars, the end of summer and start of fall are fast approaching. School starts are early as Aug. 14 for some students. That means teachers are already returning to work and some students are checking in for fraternity/sorority rush at college, or sports/activity camps at high schools.

This Saturday’s Party in the Park is often considered Great Bend end-of-summer bash.

Libraries have finished their summer reading programs. The City Band concerts are done. The Great Bend Recreation Commission has ceased most of its programs for the month, giving the staff time to spruce up buildings as they prepare for September.

The City of Great Bend met with school officials earlier this year to discuss parking and traffic problems before and after school. The Front Door Community Center at 1615 10th St. is across the street from Riley Elementary School and USD 428 staff are only supposed to use the first four spots of Front Door parking. (There’s a parking area east of the school.) City Administrator Brandon Anderson told the City Council in June that the schools will get the word out to parents and staff about where they can park. The Police Department will help with enforcement if needed.

Any way you read it, Fall is coming, either next week or in seven weeks. Here are a few things we can expect from the remainder of Summer:

• More hot days, with temperatures sometimes in triple digits. 

• Labor Day weekend – and Hoisington’s end-of-summer bash.

• Great Bend Airport Airfest – which starts Sept. 20 and ends on Sept. 22, the first day of fall.

— Susan Thacker