Keith Maddox

Officials say there are four times the normal number of mosquitoes this year. So to make sure they don’t come around, here are some tips to avoid them:

* Mosquitoes are attracted to things that remind them of nectar. Wear light clothing and cover most of your body. Avoid bright, floral colors, but khaki, beige, and olive are good colors to wear.

* Mosquitoes are attracted by some body odors. Avoid fragrances in soaps, shampoos, and lotions.

* Citronella candles may be useful to keep mosquitoes away.

* Don’t apply insect repellent under clothes. Your body may absorb more of the toxic substances than is advisable.

* If you have kids, use pediatric insect repellent. They contain only 6 to 10 % DEET.

* Remove any standing water from your yard. Dispose of old tires, buckets, or any other container that may allow stagnant water.

Good luck at avoiding the little buggers!

Monday, June 30: Freedom Field Playground in Columbus

Tuesday, July 1: Take your kids on a picnic

Wednesday, July 2: Make a Tye Dye shirt

Thursday, July 3: Visit the Library

Monday, July 7: Plant a garden (flower, food, landscape, whatever!)

Tuesday, July 8: Read a book

Wednesday, July 9: See a movie – Bee Movie at Park Theatre at 10 a.m. & 2 p.m. today

Thursday, July 10: Mill Race Park

Friday, July 11: Donner Pool

Monday, July 14: People Trails

Tuesday, July 15: Go Fishing

Wednesday, July 16: USSSA Boys Baseball World Series Opening Ceremony

Thursday, July 17: Canoe Trip

Friday, July 18: Donner Park Playground

Monday, July 21: Good chance of rain today. Have an INDOOR picnic!

Tuesday, July 22: Attend USSSA Girls Softball World Series games at Lincoln & Clifty Parks in Columbus

Wednesday, July 23: Make Plaster of Paris Crafts (sidwalk chalk, flower pot penholder, hand print, etc.)

So you wanna know What’s Happenin’ over the 4th of July holiday? Here’s What’s Happenin’!!!

July 3rd: Indiana Bank & Trust Co. presents QMIX Musical Fireworks 19 “BOOM-tastic” at Columbus Municipal Airport. Starting at 5:30pm check out food vendors, inflatables, face painting, and a magic show. The soundtrack will be on QMIX 107-dot-3 and is syncronized to the QMIX Musical Fireworks show. Bring the whole family and your friends. Don’t forget your loudest portable radio with NEW batteries!

July 4th: Opening day of the Bartholomew County 4-H Fair. Ride-A-Thon from 5pm until close!

July 4th: 4th of July Parade. Forest Park in Columbus. 9am lineup, parade begins at 9:30 at 3389 Woodland Parkway.

July 4th: Fourth of July Music in the Park. Noon to 3pm at Shields Park in Seymour.

July 4th: Bloomington’s 4th of July Parade starting at 10am. Courthouse Square. Live patriotic music.

July 4th: The Limestone Heritage Festival in Bedford. Parade with military flyover, outdoor concert, fireworks, etc. from noon to 10:30pm. Call 812-583-0383 for more info.