It’s summer and the fairs and festival are everywhere. Personally, I love attending various events and one of my favorites is happening this Saturday in New Martinsville.

There’s just something about a street fair that makes me happy. I’m not sure if it is the quaint setting or the child-like desire to be able to stand in the middle of the street without a care in the world, but whatever it is, I love it. Thankfully the Festival of Memories includes that element, so I love it too.

This year they have kept some great features and added some others. I think just about everyone enjoys watching a magic show by Bill Stokes. (I know my oldest sister Karen would, and will Saturday, drive several miles to catch his act.)

I’m also excited about the raptor program that will include a live bald eagle.

I love bald eagles and seem to have a weird knack for spotting them from my car. I say I’m a drive-by bird watcher.

Not long ago my sister, my daughter, and I were traveling on state Route 2 in Wetzel County when we thought we saw a bald eagle dead by the side of the road. We were so curious about the identification that I turned the car around and returned to the animal, located right near where I had seen one on the river once.

It turns out it was just a Canadian Goose, but three-year-old Joellen, who couldn’t quite see the bird from her backseat perch, really wanted to see a bald eagle. I assured her that the next time I saw a bald eagle I would make sure she got to see it. Well of course I haven’t spotted one lately, so I’m happy we’re assured of a sighting Saturday.

The best part about the Festival of Memories is that it is a completely free event, except for any food or goods that a visitor might want to purchase. This is great news for parents, particularly those with large families.

Just this past weekend I attended a festival outside of our area with some college friends who now have four sons. When you multiply everything by four or six, cost is a real concern. It turned out that this festival was not completely free and the $10 cost to jump a few times in a bounce house and other inflatables just wasn’t possible.

I understand that it costs money to bring those attractions in and keep them inflated, so I don’t really have a problem with the charge. However, I truly believe that fun does not have to have a big price tag. Some sidewalk chalk, face paint, limbo poles, and the like are more than enough for a good time.

I hope you’ll join in the fun Saturday in New Martinsville.