July fades into August, and for the past three weeks, county fairs have provided music, funnel cakes, and midways. The tradition continues for the next several weekends, all leading to the Nebraska State Fair at the end of August. The fair reminds me of concerts and cotton candy; it’s paradise by the midway lights. Find out more in this week’s Nebraska-isms column and share your favorite county fair memory.

A special welcome to readers of the Holt County Independent. I’m glad I have the opportunity to share my view of Nebraska with you.

For the past week, 3,000 athletes, 1,000 coaches, and nearly 19,000 friends and family members have descended on Lincoln, Nebraska for the 2010 Special Olympics Summer National Games. The event united city and state agencies and organizations, and it’s been a spectacular event. Find out more in this week’s Nebraska-isms.

After a movie, my family would make the short drive from 2nd Street in Hastings to 9th Street. There, a red one-story house with a white fence beckoned us to come inside. Dad usually parked on the east side of the structure, and we’d rush inside to get a taste of ice cream from Bob Garey’s. Usually, we’d sit at a ice cream parlor table set – you know the kind: wrought iron table and chairs (like the classic version I have in my garage and want to refinish). Red and white striped upholstery adorned the chair cushion. It was bliss. Or, at least the mint chip was.

Nebraska’s fascination with ice cream continues today. From an ice cream cone recall to the first refrigerated ice cream truck to Omaha’s eCreamery, Nebraska and Nebraskans enjoy their fair share of the tasty treat. Read all about it in this week’s Nebraskaisms column.

I’ve viewed the fireworks in the New York Harbor, and while it’s a spectacular show, it pales in comparison to the community celebrations in towns across Nebraska. The 4th of July is about potato salad and picnics. It’s about spending time with friends. Check out this week’s Nebraska-isms column for some of my favorite July 4th memories.

According to history books, the first drive-in theater was in New Jersey. But the reel truth is that the first outdoor movies were shown in Nebraska. Meadow Grove, Nebraska, to be exact. Discover the history of drive-in movies in this week’s Nebraska-isms column.