Our temperatures here in Southern Oregon will have their first brush with 100 degrees today, and it reminded me that we have so many fun events to look forward to during the summertime! From the arts to water play, are kids will only bored if we want them to be, as there are activities available for all interests.

For our sporty children, there are weeklong camps available for almost every sports enthusiast, for soccer, basketball, tennis, golf, and volleyball. Too formal for you? How about the All-Comers Track Meets  for toddlers to 12 year olds the first three Tuesdays in June at North Medford High School's track?

For our Artsy kids, how about Drop-In And Draw on Wednesdays during the school year or Kid's Summer Camps at the Rogue Gallery & Art Center in Medford? Or one of our family favorites, the Jacksonville Children's Festival on the grounds of the Britt Theater in Jacksonville

Are movies your thing? Free Movies in the Park begin Memorial Weekend and are every Saturday at dusk. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and head to the Bear Creek Amphitheater off the I-5 Fwy at Barnett Road and Highland Drive where you will find:

Daddy Day Care (PG) May 24th            The Water Horse (PG) July 19^th                              

Bee Movie (PG) June 21st                    Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix (PG) July 26^th

Transformers (PG) June 28th                Ferris Bueller's Day Off (PG-13) August 2^nd

Surf's Up (PG) July 5th                         Shrek The Third (PG) August 9th

Batman Begins (PG) July 12th

How about Music? Do WE have Music!!!!! Have a Middle Schooler who would enjoy Middle School Band Camp? Or for the family, Music at the Britt Festival, Music at Lithia Amphitheater, Music at the Wineries (Roxy Ann, Eden Vale and Agate Ridge, just to name a few), Music at the Prospect Bluegrass Festival our Kick-Off Concert & Movie Medford Cruise Weekend at Hawthorne Park beginning Friday June 13^th with The Duquanes concert from 7-9pm and AND "Back 2 the Future" at 9pm Friday, and come back Saturday June 14^th for "American Graffiti".

Free Concerts in the Park on Sunday's at the Bear Creek Amphitheater:

Southern Oregon Jazz Orchestra June 22^nd        The Ben Rice Band July 20^th

Five A.M. June 29^th                                         The Mixers July 27^th

ANG Band of the Air National Guard NW July 6^th  Nicole Navarro & Rowdy Creek Band Aug 6th

Mambo Rico July 13^th                                      Rhythm Kings August 10^th

Is Water Play what your family likes? How about a jet boat ride down the Wild and Scenic Rogue River in Grants Pass? A more leisurely inner tube ride/raft trip on the Rogue River in Shady Cove? Or, maybe Water Slides at Emigrant Lake in Ashland? Rent a boat and go out for the day on Howard Prairie Lake? Enjoy the Water Spray Parks at Lone Pine Park, Fichtner-Mainwaring Parks in Medford or Garfield Park in Ashland? Maybe a recreational swim at Hawthorne Pool or Jackson Pool in Medford?

Did you know Medford Park & Rec offers additional local trips and tours to local points of interest? How about a hike up Table Rock, Rogue River or Lower Klamath Rafting Trip, Pacific Crest Trail Hike? Or maybe a Rogue Valley Wine Tour & Seminar? Want to take the family to Box R Ranch for a wagon ride, dinner and a bonfire? Go to www.playmedford.com for more information on these fun trips and tours and others they offer.

On 4^th of July, you'll find most of us at either the City of Ashland's 4^th of July Parade and community fair at Lithia Park afterward, or at the Central Point 4^th of July Parade and event. Firework Shows take place in both Ashland and Medford.

See you out there!

Karen Cooper - OR/CA Mortgage Consultant - www.Quality4Loans.com