For me, June is the month of love and happiness. The weather is warm, the flowers are in full bloom and the days are bright and sunny. Not only is June my birth month, it is the month in which three of my grandchildren were born. Believe me, that’s a lot of birthday cake and joyful celebrations! My grandson Elijah and my granddaughter were both born on June 6 and my oldest grandson Brennan was born on June 19.
“June is the pearl of summer, shining with warmth and joy.”
L.M. Montgomery
June also brings the first day of summer – and the longest day of the year – with lots of sunny days (and golfing) to look forward to. My favorite pink rose bushes in my backyard come to full bloom in June. It’s also time for one of my favorite summer activities: picking strawberries at a local orchard. My favorite dessert is strawberry shortcake, something I look forward to every year. One of my fondest memories is riding in the hay wagon and picking strawberries with the grandkids at Spicer Orchards – their lips smeared with the red juice, since they ate most of the berries they picked.
Of course, one of the most important June celebrations is Father’s Day, which happens to fall on my birthday this year, June 15. Memories of Father’s Day celebrations with my father are filled with backyard barbecues and hand-cranked ice cream – strawberry, of course! This is the time of year when we all pay special tribute to the fathers in our lives.
It’s been said that June is the month of love, awareness and spirituality – and there are many fun-filled activities to enjoy close to home. Genesee County Day at Crossroads Village happens on June 7 and honors the community with a day of fun, history and celebration. The event is free admission for County residents and offers exciting games, food trucks and the opportunity to explore this local gem.
It’s been said that June is the month of love, awareness and spirituality – and there are many fun-filled activities to enjoy close to home.
Another unique event is The Flint Institute of Arts’ THE PARTY: Art of Ink also happening on June 7. It promises a night of “electrifying body art, unforgettable entertainment and all-around rock ‘n’ roll vibes!”
The 53rd Annual Traditional Flint Juneteenth Celebration is scheduled to take place through June 22 to recognize the day (June 19, 1865) when in Galveston, TX, Union General Gordon Granger announced freedom for all slaves in the Southwest.
Texas was the last state in rebellion to allow slavery following the end of the Civil War.
Another event you won’t want to miss is the Midwest Invitational Rodeo at the Genesee County Fairgrounds on June 13-14. Yee haw!
There are so many things I look forward to in June. I usually try to make a trip back to my home state of Maryland to visit with family, attend some backyard BBQs with friends and family and take walks at my favorite parks. Most of all, I look forward to the beauty and fun of another spectacular Michigan summer!
