Summer is supposed to be arriving early next week; I hope someone tells the weatherman.

I don't like sweltering hot days, but a few nice ones in the mid-20s without rain would be good.

Tonight, the Township of Essa will be holding a public meeting and open house concerning the proposed amendment to the Official Plan and zoning by-law for the Barrie Agricultural Society's future site on June 17. The open house will be held from 5 to 6 p.m., with opportunities to speak with experts, review the studies and ask questions. The public meeting will begin at 6 p.m. Anyone can attend the public meeting and make a written or verbal submission on the amendments. For more information, call the Essa planning and development department at 424-9770.

Trinity United Church is holding its annual strawberry supper on Friday June 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help prepare the strawberries on the morning of the supper. Just show-up at 8 a.m. and organizers will happily put volunteers to work. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children ages six to 12 and preschoolers are free. Takeout is available for $13 for adults and $5 for children. For more information, call 458-9893.

Just a reminder that summer watering restrictions are now in place for Essa Township municipal users, until Sept. 1. Odd numbered houses may water on odd days, while even numbered houses are permitted on even days. No watering is allowed on Mondays, or between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. on any day. Water restrictions are enforced to ensure that sufficient amounts are available for domestic use and firefighting during the summer months.

Positive Step Dance Academy will be holding its year end recital on June 20th at the Terra Theatre, starting at 2 p.m. Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for children, and are available at the door. It is going to be an entertaining show, highlighting the talents of our local children.

Registration begins this week for the TD Summer Reading Club at the Essa Public Library. This year, the theme is Agent 009. Children ages 12 and under can join Agent 009 on a reading adventure. Each child will receive a poster, stickers and activity book and will be invited to join in the many exciting Agent 009 activities such as club meetings, mystery reading groups and games. Don't forget to sign-up early, as spaces fillup fast. For the younger kids, the library has partnered with Ontario Early Years to hold Agent 009 Juniors, a free summer program for the under six crowd. Meetings will be held on Tuesday mornings from 10 to 11 a.m. for two three-week sessions. The first session begins on July 14, and the second starts on Aug. 4. Pre-registration is required, as space is limited to 20 children.

Readers over the age of 12 can join the Murder, Mystery and Mayhem Young Adult Book and Blog Club to determine the best summer mystery read. Bloggers are invited to read from a selection of mystery titles and vote online for their favourite one. Participants must register at the library to get free access to the mystery website, including a name and password. At the end of the summer, club members will be invited to a pizza party, where the best summer mystery read will be revealed.

The Essa Summer Blast Day Camp is accepting registration for children ages five to 12 for both the Thornton and Angus locations. Every week has a special theme and a fun field trip to places such as Rounds Ranch, the Toronto Zoo, Santa's Village, and Wye Marsh. For more information, or to register, call 424- 9770.

The Thornton Fire Fighters Association is hosting a golf tournament on Wednesday July 29 at Tangle Creek. Registration begins at 9 a.m. with a shotgun start at 10.

The cost is $100 per golfer and includes 18 holes, a golf cart, steak dinner, live auction and hole-in-one prizes. The association is also seeking sponsors. For more information, or to become a sponsor, call Scott Fisher at 721-5287.

Happy Father's Day to all every dad. If you have any news, announcements, or coming events, e-mail me at thorntonnews@rogers.com or call 458-0869. Bye for now.