July events blast off with fireworks, viewing parties, comedy and summer concerts

It's hard to believe that we are already at summer's midway point, at least if you're thinking in terms of the traditional summer vacation from school.

With the start of a new month, it's time for another rundown of what Columbia and Maury County citizens have to look forward to, and this one definitely kicks off with a bang.

The 4th of July is always a celebratory time in Columbia, only this year might be poised to be its biggest in a while.

There's something for just about everybody of all ages, starting with Columbia Noon Rotary's annual bicycle and wagon parade for the kids, which will begin with a special ceremony at Riverwalk Park starting at 8:15 a.m. Monday. This is always a fun and well-attended gathering commemorating the holiday's occasion. 

For auto enthusiasts and fans of classic cars and trucks, the city will also host its first Red, White & Blue Car and Truck show starting at 10 a.m. Monday at Maury County Park. Car shows and classic vehicle gatherings are always popular around here. Other than the fireworks show later that night at 9 p.m., this could be a contender for July 4th's most-attended event, if I had to predict.

We're only just getting started as July rolls on following Monday's festivities. 

On Thursday, July 7, stop by Bad Idea Brewing, 307 W. 11th St. in the Columbia Arts Building, where the brewhouse will be making its television debut by hosting a special "Tennessee Crossroads" viewing party starting at 7 p.m. Also be sure to grab a pint of Bad Idea's "See You at the (Tennessee) Crossroads" stout to top off the occasion.

Though we are still a few months away from colder weather, it's not too early to get into the yuletide spirit. Not to mention, it's never a bad idea to knock out a little holiday gift shopping ahead of time to help ease the stress once November and December get here.

The Factory at Columbia, 101 N. James M. Campbell Blvd., will host a free Christmas in July holiday market featuring multiple vendors, artisans, holiday-themed eats and drinks. The market will take place over two days, first from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 16, followed by noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 17.

How about some local entertainment happening this month?

The Maury County Arts Guild, 705 Lion Parkway, will kick off its 50th season later this month when it premieres the Tony Award-winning musical "Chicago" on July 22-24, as well as another round of performances the following weekend of July 29-30.

Toward the end of the month, The Mulehouse, 812 S. High St., will break new ground on its journey to create the ultimate live experience in Columbia, which it has already proven over the last year, by hosting its first major standup comedy night featuring renowned Southern comic Killer Beaz on July 30.

In fact, The Mulehouse has a pretty stacked and diverse lineup of shows coming up this month, starting with Sam Williams and Emily West this coming Thursday, July 7.

Heather Land will bring her "The Age Gap" tour to The Mulehouse on Friday, July 15. Beatles fans will also want to check out Forever Abbey Road the following night Saturday, July 16.

The Mulehouse will also present its popular Songtellers series, an intimate evening of song and stories featuring writers behind some of country music's biggest hits. This month's show, which will be Thursday, July 21, will feature The Music of Lonestar with Richie McDonald, the band's original lead singer, as well as Frank Myers.

I'd say that's a pretty good round of fun things to do over the next month, at least for starters. Part of the fun in keeping track of monthly events is knowing that there's bound to be more announced as the weeks go by. 

And like I always say, the hardest part is choosing which ones to check out, which is really part of the fun after all.

Jay Powell is a reporter for The Daily Herald. Contact him at jpowell@c-dh.net or follow him on Twitter @JayPowellCDH.