The rains finally came! Not good for the Sunfish Race on Sunday, but good for lawns, gardens and the landscape in general. We are going to have a stretch of soggy days this week, but hopefully it will be clear by July 3rd for our big Joe's Pond Fireworks Display. Isn't it great that our July 4th celebration can go on as usual? Unlike many other displays that take place where people gather in large groups on land, our viewers are either on the pond or strategically located on hillsides above the pond, usually in their automobiles, where it's easy to spread out and social distance. Still, there will be groups gathering at various cottages - families and friends - and we hope you will be careful to wash hands, sanitize frequently, and if someone isn't feeling well - please consider your family/friends and stay home. Isolating is a small price to pay when weighed against the possibility of infecting someone you care about and perhaps causing serious illness or worse. Doctors are encouraging people to wear masks when in public, so when you go out to get those party provisions, please remember to wear your mask. Your neighbors and the people serving you will thank you.

Don Sherwood asked us to remind you that you need to stay away from the setup area on the rail-trail when the crew from Northstar Fireworks is setting up (and firing off) the fireworks on July 3rd. If there is rain, that will extend to July 5th.

Also, you are reminded that during the display you need to stay away from the area in back of the two islands at the north end of the pond. That is where any debris from the fireworks will come down, and everyone is warned to remain in the larger part of the pond to watch the display. Please be respectful on the water - there may be kayaks and canoes or other small craft on the water, so keep speed down, and everyone be sure you have proper running lights. We do not want any accidents marring our celebration.

We also remind people that you will not be able to see the fireworks from the public beach area. The best way to see the display is either from the water in the big pond or from one of the roads on the surrounding hills. Enjoy the event, and please, if you have your own fireworks, be careful so nobody gets injured. And try not to annoy your neighbors!