The Heartbeat of Ripley: A Local's Look at What's Happening This Season

Ah, Ripley. There’s a certain rhythm to life here, isn’t there? You know, the kind where community truly means something, where the calendar fills up not just with dates, but with genuine moments for us all to share. And honestly, as we ease into these warmer months, it’s bustling – just wonderfully, delightfully busy!

First things first, let’s talk fireworks and fanfare, shall we? Because our beloved Ripley Fourth of July Celebration is, believe it or not, already shaping up to be quite the spectacle. The planning committee? They’re practically wizards behind the scenes, getting everything ready for what promises to be an unforgettable day. But hey, they can’t do it all alone, can they? We need floats, we need groups marching with pride, and oh, those classic cars – don’t even get me started on the shine! If you’ve got a group, a float idea, or that gleaming vintage ride just begging for a parade, now's the time to reach out. The applications are out there, waiting for you. And for those entrepreneurial spirits, or maybe just the folks with a knack for making delicious treats or unique crafts, vendors are absolutely needed to make our celebration complete. Oh, and yes, a car show is definitely on the agenda too. All the details, truly, can be found by contacting the good folks at the Ripley Convention & Visitors Bureau. Give them a ring at 304-372-9111 or drop an email to rcac@cityofripley.org. Don’t miss out!

But the summer fun doesn't stop there. For once, we’re getting a jump on the holiday cheer, because Ripley’s Christmas in July is set to light up the main city parking lot on Saturday, July 13. How’s that for a delightful twist? Imagine: the warmth of July, but with all the sparkle and joy of Christmas. Again, vendors, this is your call to action! The forms are ready and waiting. What a perfect way, you could say, to bring a little extra magic to the heart of summer.

Now, shifting gears a bit – because life, as we know, isn't all parades and festivals – for our youngest Ripley residents, it’s time to think about school! Pre-K and Kindergarten registration for Ripley Elementary is officially open. This is a big step, a truly momentous occasion for our little ones and their families. Just make sure you’ve got all your ducks in a row: a certified birth certificate, up-to-date immunization records, that social security card, proof of residency (a utility bill often works wonders), and both a health assessment and an oral health assessment. All the essential paperwork, naturally, to ensure a smooth start for our future scholars. The registration forms are available at the school, or, of course, a quick hop online will get you sorted.

And what about those vibrant flavors of our community? Well, good news! The Jackson County Farmers Market, a true gem of our area, just opened its gates on Wednesday, May 29. You’ll find it buzzing with activity every Wednesday and Saturday, from 8:00 AM until 1:00 PM, right there on Main Street. Fresh produce, local crafts, maybe even a friendly chat or two – it’s a wonderful way to connect with our local growers and artisans. And a really important note for our community: they proudly accept SNAP/EBT, making fresh, local food accessible to everyone. Truly, a win-win.

A quick heads-up on some important dates for our local governance, too. The Jackson County Board of Education met on May 14, and the Jackson County Commission convened on May 20. Just keeping you in the loop, as they say, on the decisions shaping our beautiful county.

Oh, and one final, human-style confession: in my last column, there was a tiny mix-up with a photo caption. My apologies for that! We all make mistakes, don’t we? But hey, that's just part of keeping things real and local. Until next time, keep enjoying all the wonderful things Ripley has to offer!