With Summer Break a week away, students who live nearby and students sticking around for summer courses are beginning to think about things to do in the area. With the right activities, a summer in Murray can be fun. Here are five of the many places that can keep students busy enjoying the summer.
1. In June, the Murray-Calloway County fair comes to town. If you babysit over the summer months, this could be a great place to take the kids for the day, or even for just a fun family outing. The fair is scheduled for June 10-14. The Murray-Calloway County Fair Association said the admission is $10, which will give patrons access to rides, parking, shows and events.
2. For those looking to clean out their closets and boxes of junk, the 400-mile-long yard sale will be hitting U.S. Highway 68 between June 6 and 9. Prior to the sale in Benton, Ky., there will be a drag boat race on Kentucky Lake. This is a four day event of antiques, yard sales, craft booths and other special events. Bring those oddities that have been sitting in the back of the car, and set up shop or drive through the sale and pick up some cheap items to spruce up the apartment or dorm.
3. Since Murray is so close to surrounding lakes, a trip to Land Between the Lakes or Kentucky Lake to spend the day would be great for those looking to get some sun. Several campsites and fishing areas are easily accessible. Not far from the lake, Belew’s Dairy Bar is a good place to stop, eat and grab some good ice cream. Belew’s is a drive-in restaurant that someone could easily eat at for under $10. It is right off Kentucky Lake in the town of Aurora, Ky.
“Belew’s is a fun atmosphere where everyone coming off the lake after a long day can enjoy some ice cream,” said Amanda Harrell, sophomore from Benton, Ky. “It’s a great place to go in the summer and sit outside to hang out with friends. It’s always busy but always worth the wait.”
4. Later, from June 28-29, Freedom Fest arrives in Murray. Freedom Fest has been a long-standing traditional celebration with concerts and a giant fireworks display.
The Cruisers of Paducah will be at the Murray Bank Family Night this year, as well as Clarence Dobbins, who will be performing on the court square.
Family Day will be held June 29 in Central Park and will center on the Fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m.
“I went as a child and saw my first concert there,” said Allison Rogers, freshman from Murray. “It’s not as big as it used to be but the fireworks are always fun.”
5. With several movies coming out this summer, including Universal’s “Despicable Me 2,” Disney’s “Epic,” Marvel’s “Iron Man 3” and Sony’s Picture Animation “Smurfs 2,” it’s a great season to go to the drive-in movie theater. Calvert Drive-In is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 5 p.m. Double features cost $7, and children under 12 years old get in free.
“The drive-in is really neat because it is one of the few left,” said Jeffrey Rowland, sophomore from Iuka, Ky. “It is also very family-oriented, and they have some of the best burgers in western Kentucky.”
Story by Kelsey Randolph, Staff writer.