The summer festival season is in full swing and this weekend is one of the season's highlights.

Annual Independence Day celebrations in Austin and Blooming Prairie this weekend will keep many residents entertained. And that's not counting firework celebrations that will occur in other communities.

We encourage area residents to attend Austin's Heart of America festival. In year's past, the annual event, which revolves around the July 4 holiday has been jam-packed with activities for both young and old alike.

This year is no different. Bands, games and the Grand Parade will be back, along with the Hambone Blues Jam in the Holiday Inn parking lot.

The best part about these events is that they're provided at little or no cost to the attendee.

For that, we tip our cap to local organizers and sponsors of our area festivals. By patronizing local businesses, they're able to give back to the local community in many ways. In some ways, it's through sponsoring festivals and events that aren't cheap to put on.

We encourage people to enjoy our area's celebrations, but to do it in a responsible manner.

See you at the festival!