CHRISTMAS IN JULY.

I'm not sure how much of a thing that is, although July 25 is the most logical date to assign to the event itself.  If you've been good and kept your health, there are a few summer pleasures that are available, within limitations.

Today, for instance, the Illinois Railway Museum is again open to the public.  Those long interurban trains they are able to roll out are just the thing for social distancing.  Tickets are by reservation only.  Some of the highlight trains will be kept in the barns, as frequent sanitizing of vintage fabrics might be ineffective as well as bad for the upholstery.

On Tuesday, the DeKalb Municipal Band will commence a shortened schedule of concerts.

The concerts will take place at 7:30 pm on July 28th; August 4th, 11th, and 18th. Although the concerts continue to be free to the public, all concert-goers must book their reservation online in advance. Seats will be limited and will be assigned to maintain safe distance between visitors. This will allow concert organizers to keep control of the number of people gathering in one place. The area around the Hopkins Park Band Shell will be fenced off, with three entry points for visitors to check-in.

Face coverings must be worn in the bandshell area until concert-goers are seated and anywhere social distancing cannot be maintained. The band will be set up differently and perform with fewer players to accommodate social distancing and ensure the safety of the performers. Due to the popularity of the concerts, and the safety restrictions in place with Phase 4 guidelines, the public is discouraged from sitting in groups in the grassy areas surrounding the bandshell and to respect the ticketing process.

I wonder if that precludes bringing your own lawn chairs or picnics, as some people have done.

Here's a look at what turned out to be longtime band director Dee Palmer's final concert.

We'll see if weather permits any excursions to one of these shows, or to the museum. The humidity this weekend is making me about as energetic as an entrepreneur during the Obama presidency.