As summertime temperatures rise, so does the anticipation for LaFayette’s celebration of freedom in keeping with the Fourth of July. The Freedom Festival at the city park is the quintessential holiday experience of music, food and fireworks, which will kick off at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 28. The free community event, in its seventh year at 638 S. Main St., is sponsored by the LaFayette Woman’s Club and the city of LaFayette, park and recreation director Patti Scott said. The festival has grown in size and attendance each year, with an anticipated crowd of more than 3,000 possible this year. About 50vendors have signed up to sell an array of carnival concoctions, including fried favorites, like the blooming onion, chilled classics ice cream, and sweet tea. Kids will have several fun options, from bouncing on the inflatables to face-painting and much more. There will also be a free swim from 7-9 p.m. at the city pool, which does require proper swimming attire. A new restriction aims to make the event safer for children by banning pets, except for certified working animals like guide dogs. “In the past we have had some incidents with dogs,” Scott said. Another addition will be karaoke singers belting out their favorite songs in the gym. The inspirational music of Vince Stallings will be the first of three musical performances at 6 p.m., followed by Black Cat Moon from Dalton at 7 p.m. and The Beaters from Chattanooga at 9 p.m. A pie-eating contest is also scheduled during one of the intermissions between bands. Fireworks have been given a set time of 10:30 p.m., allowing families enough time to find a spot and allowing vendors to close down and enjoy the show.

Just the other day it hit 100 degrees outside, and with the humidity it felt like double that. The sad thing, as a friend told me, Summer still doesn't start for a few more days! Although it is so very hot out, there are still outdoor tasks many of us must complete despite the heat. Along with tasks and chores outside, we have children that want to take advantage of longer summer days, and play outside. One of the major risks of physical activity outside in these sweltering temperatures is the risk of a heat related illness. This week I'd like to take a look at those illnesses and what we can do to prevent them. The first heat related illness that can occur is a heat cramp. Heat cramps are generally much more intense than standard muscle cramps, and can take longer to find relief. They are caused by losing large amounts of salt during sweating, while not replenishing those fluids quickly enough. These can be prevented by taking breaks from outdoor physical activity while replenishing fluid intake by drinking plenty of water or a sports drink with electrolytes. Treatment involves drinking water or sports drinks, and performing light range of motion with the affected muscles. If the muscle cramps do not go away in an hour or so, your doctor will need to be consulted. The second heat related illness that can occur is heat exhaustion. This is more than simply being tired after sweating and being outside, it involves intense headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Prevention of exhaustion is the same as any other illness, while treatment is aimed at treating the specific symptoms as well as drinking plenty of fluids. The last heat related illness that can occur is a heat stroke. Heat strokes occur when the body can no longer rid itself of excess heat, and sweating stops. Like other heat related illnesses this can be prevented by cooling off frequently when working or playing outside, and replenishing your fluid intake. Treatment for heat stroke requires emergency medical attention, so dial 911 as soon as possible. So while we know the heat can be an issue, don't let that keep you inside all summer long. Taking proper precautions can ensure we all have a fun and safe summer season. Justin Glaze is an LPN and contributing columnist for the Walker County Messenger. He can be reached at 678-988-1011 or jglazelpn@yahoo.com.