Beyond the sweltering heat, heavy rain and longer days, summer’s arrival in Weld County is noticeable in many ways.

Evidence can be seen throughout Weld County’s many municipalities, each anchored by community events. It could be something relatively small, like a movie in the park night, or something larger, like one of the many weekend events devoted to celebrating a town’s heritage, think Eaton or Kersey Days, to name a few.

To some, the feeling of summer may truly arrive when carnival equipment pulls into Island Grove Regional Park — one of the first indicators that the Greeley Stampede, its pro rodeos, diverse night shows, and of course, a funnel cake or two — is right around the corner. Don’t forget the Weld County Fair near the end of July, a showcase of agricultural talent.

Perhaps summer is ushered in by something even more unique or unexpected. The senior tour of the Professional Bowlers Association was in Greeley earlier this month — marking the second consecutive year some of the legends of the sport have made a stop in Weld County. Rounding out the summer, the Bigfoot Turf Farm in LaSalle will host the World Long Drive World Championships, a golf tournament starting Sept. 25, crowning those who show skill in driving a golf ball with distance, power and accuracy.

Add in a chance to explore the Pawnee National Grassland or St. Vrain State Park, and it's easy to see there’s a lot to enjoy without ever having to leave Weld County.

Of course, exploring the county and taking in an event is best done safely, and there are many things to remember when traveling, preparing or enjoying food, or being out in the sun. Here are some tips to remember to stay safe and keep this summer full of only fun memories.

Safe travels

Weld County’s transportation system stretches 2,800 miles, with more than 2,100 of those miles consisting of gravel roads. Traveling on gravel is different than traveling on pavement. As gravel can be loose in spots, it’s best to travel at lower speeds to reduce the chances of sliding.

Keep in mind that a few of the gravel intersections in rural Weld County are uncontrolled, so lower speeds and increased awareness are advised. Traveling at night? Many rivers flow through Weld County: the South Platte, Cache La Poudre, Big Thompson and St. Vrain. Bodies of water usually mean deer and other wildlife are close by, so watch for wildlife crossing the road in the evening.

Summer means construction season. When approaching a construction zone, slow down, watch for workers and equipment, follow posted detours and never drive around road closed signs or barricades. View Weld County road closures on the road advisory map.

Wild weather

Anyone familiar with Weld County knows the summer can bring a variety of weather conditions anything from extreme heat to rain, thunder and lightning, hail and tornadoes — in fact, Weld County leads the nation in them. When it comes to weather, situational awareness is key. Monitor weather conditions and prepare accordingly. Becoming familiar with common weather terms can be helpful in knowing what actions to take should conditions change:

Advisory – Weather, such as a winter weather advisory, that may be a slight disturbance or nuisance, but not expected to be life threatening or warrant a watch or warning. Be aware that severe weather may occur!

Watch – Weather conditions are right for a specific weather event — thunderstorm, tornado, blizzard, etc. However, a watch only means specific weather is possible in a given area, not that it will definitely occur. Stay vigilant and be prepared to act if necessary!

Warning – A weather event is already happening or about to happen. Take action!

Play it safe in the sun

As temperatures rise, so does the risk for sunburn and heat-related illnesses. A few smart choices can increase safety while soaking up the sun. Be sure to apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, making sure to cover easy-to-miss areas like ears and feet, and reapply often. Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest, and try to plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon. Wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays can also help protect your eyes.

Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, even if you're not thirsty. Additionally, sugary drinks and alcohol can increase dehydration, so choose water whenever possible.

Food safety on the menu

Summer cookouts are a staple of the season, and the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment wants to make sure your barbecues  and picnics stay safe and enjoyable. To reduce the risk of foodborne illness, keep perishable items like meat, poultry and salads properly chilled in coolers with ice packs until you're ready to serve or grill. Use a food thermometer to ensure meat is cooked thoroughly; chicken to 165 F, beef to 155 F, and pork or fish to 145 F. And don’t forget to wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling food. These small steps can help prevent illness and keep everyone healthy. Learn more summer food safety tips.

Mosquito season is here — Take action now

Mosquitoes are a fact of life during the hot summer months, increasing the potential for West Nile Virus transmission. But there are ways to fight back by mitigating mosquito populations after wet weather. After a summer rain shower, take time to eliminate standing water in buckets, birdbaths and flowerpots where mosquitoes breed. Clean out gutters and drains, and keep your yard tidy by trimming tall grass and shrubs. When outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk, apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. These preventative steps can help protect your family and community. Learn more about animal related diseases and view seasonal updates.

So much to do

There is so much to do in Weld County, far beyond the events mentioned above. As you plan your outing, let www.discoverweld.com be a resource!

Looking to get outdoors this summer and enjoy the sunshine? There are many ways to do that, from casting a line while fishing, playing disc golf or mini golf, to sleeping under the stars while camping. Check out where to do these fun things.

After something a little more unique? Watch races at the Colorado National Speedway in Dacono, visit the Colorado Model Railroad Museum in Greeley or roar with the lions at the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg. Read about these attractions and more.

The Greeley Stampede is a major event in Weld County as thousands attend every year to enjoy various elements of fun. There is also a team devoted to an important element of the event: Safety. Learn more in the next edition of County Roots.