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Happy Fourth of July weekend!
As we’ve all been navigating our way through the current green phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, many seem a little anxious – myself included.
We’ve been through a lot these last few months: new ways of connecting with friends, new work routines, more time at home than ever before, and more. The list goes on.
A lot of what we’ve been through is unfamiliar to us, so I take comfort in this weekend because every year when it rolls around, I think about how lucky we are to live in America.
We’re lucky to have our independence.
We’re lucky to celebrate openly and freely.
And we’re lucky to have family and friends to spend this beloved weekend with.
As I said last week, it will be a more subdued holiday than ever before, but we can still make it fun with our families and perhaps some close friends, as long as we follow all health precautions.
I’ve been doing my best in following the health protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.
Anyone who knows me knows I can’t sit home, especially now being in the green phase, so I’ve made several stops around town and have been impressed by all of the precautions business owners are taking.
State Street Grill in Clarks Summit was a lunch stop last week, and everyone I saw followed the rules, wearing masks and sanitizing as needed.
It’s been great to see so many businesses reopen, and I’m also ecstatic that other places, like City Market and Café in Dallas, have made expansions and improvements during this ordeal.
Last weekend, I stopped at the massive new bar that was recently installed and was enthralled by its beauty.
You simply have to check it out when you’re in the Back Mountain – whether you opt for a bar seat or one of the tables surrounding it. It’s a sight to behold.
There’s more than enough room to social distance and the staff is happy to accommodate.
On my visit, I marveled at how gracious the staff was, including co-owner Christian Switzer who greeted and thanked the various folks who stopped in to check out the new spot at a limited capacity.
As life slowly returns to normal and more and more folks are looking for places to relax and socialize, this is one to add to your list.
I appreciate the hard work that goes into running a small business during a time like this, so I’ll do what I can to support these places.
While we’re still dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, and there’s still uncertainty throughout the country, we have to be careful.
No matter what you do this weekend – whether it’s support a small business or stay home with your families – I hope you do so safely.
But, whatever you choose, let’s make sure to celebrate the very thing this weekend is all about: our independence.
Happy Fourth of July!
Mike McGinley is the Times Leader Media Group’s major accounts executive. Reach him at [email protected] or 570-704-3945.