Ahh, 85 & Sunny 4 the 4th

My cryptic title may have something to do with the fact that I just got in from a 2-day drive across the US last night, the 100+ degrees where I was vacationing, the fact that this weekend’s forecast is glorious for the parade, or all of the above!

After spending a week in temperatures that ranged from 102 to 107 (with a 110-degree heat index at least one day), I was thrilled to learn that the forecast for this weekend’s July 4 Parade calls for 85 degrees and sunny skies. I just returned from the Gulf Coast. Gluttons for punishment, my family and I took the 18-hour land route, rather than the 5-hour air route. But I happily watched the digital thermometer in our truck gradually drop as we headed north up Interstate 81 this weekend on our return to the Valley. From 99 degrees early Saturday morning (before the day’s high of 102), the gauge had dropped to 79 degrees by the time we hit the Central Shenandoah Valley Sunday night. Bliss.

Two weeks ago I thought 85 degrees was hot. I am now looking forward to a pleasantly COOL day for this weekend’s festivities in the Valley.

Look for the blue “Monster Truck” in Harrisonburg’s Valley 4th Parade. The staff and families of Shenandoah Living magazine will be riding tail-gate style in the parade. Be sure to give us a yell!

Go to Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance website for a schedule of the day’s events.

–Toni Mehling