The Jewel in the Crown

July.

For this, we endure all the year's discomforts, all its trials, all its hardship.

For this, we are the envy of the earth. Bugs notwithstanding!

Birdsong fills the fragrant air dawn to dusk. If it rains, the waters sing. If it is clear, the sun dances. If you are bold, neither rain nor sun can keep you from seizing the rich sweet adventure of a North Country July.

And now, in July, may be the fullest time on a North Country arts calendar. Everywhere! Everything! Art - music - dance - theater!

Don't take my word for it - skate over the the Calendar page at ncpr.org (everyone's favorite website!) - dozens upon dozens of arts related events are listed this month. If you prefer hard-copy information, the Adirondack Daily Enterprise has published an "Arts in the Park" guide available, free, lots of places - and of course the Arts Council of the Northern Adirondacks produces the free Arts Directory, which will be hitting shelves and information stands any day now.

The North Country is magnificent throughout the year. It is a gleaming crown of natural beauty and man-made ingenuity. But July is surely the crown's brightest jewel - twinkling at you now.