Summertime, summertime, sum-sum summertime is the song to be humming right now. The days are little longer, a little warmer and vacations are on everyone’s mind. Take a look around this proud state of ours and see if you want to do some traveling on this long holiday weekend.

Before you leave, check the AC, dishwasher and refrigerator. If you are in the market to purchase one, save a few dollars and buy it this weekend. It is Texas Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday. You will pay no sales tax-state or local- on the following items:

• Air conditioners priced at $6,000 or less
• Refrigerators priced at $2,000 or less
• Ceiling fans
• Incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs
• Clothes washers
• Dishwashers
• Dehumidifiers
• Programmable thermostats

Start shopping Saturday, May 29 12:01 am until Monday, May 31 11:59 pm-even online. Just look for the Energy Star label on the packaging or the appliance. “To qualify for the ENERGY STAR label, an appliance must meet rigorous energy efficiency and water efficiency standards set by the Federal government. These appliances use less energy and less water than regular appliances and thus help the consumer save money each month on their utility bills.” For more details, go to the government’s website.

Let’s travel.

ENNIS
May 28-30 Put on your polka dress, the National Polka Festival is in town. This features authentic cuisine, sounds and costumes of Czech and Slovak heritage, parade, 13 live bands and arts & crafts. Located in downtown Ennis and Czech Halls. For more details, visit their website or call 972-878-4748.

WAXAHACHIE
May 28 The Texas Theater- The Texas Playgirls featuring C.C. Cross & Rachel Stacy will take the stage at 8:00 pm. On May 29, Fastlane will perform a tribute to The Eagles. The Texas Theater has a whole summer calendar full of fun things-even a tribute to Sinatra. If you have any questions, call 972-937-1993 or visit their website.

After Hours Improv Theater Comedy Show, located at the Historic Rogers Hotel, 100 N. College Street. They feature family friendly improv comedy on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm. For more details, see their website or call 972-937-9839.

ATHENS
May 27 is the date of the Southern Gospel Concert with Gold City QT. The concert begins at 6:00 pm at 6513 Hwy 19. Call 903-677-2492 for more information.

May 29 The Music Festival will begin at 9:00 am and go until 5:00 pm. Located at the Cain Center at 915 S. Palestine. Call 903-677-2001 for more information.

May 28 is the date of the 78th Old Fiddler’s Reunion. Spend the day enjoying the sights and sounds, then stay until midnight for the street dance, located on the downtown courthouse lawn. Call 888-294-2847.

KERRVILLE
May 27 A Hero’s Salute to those who served to gain and preserve our freedom. A memorial service begins at 6:00 pm followed by an all-American meal, an outdoor concert and fireworks display. Located at the Bank of the Hills. Call 830-895-2265 for more details.

May 27-June 13 Kerrville Folk Festival. This festival features more than 100 songwriters and their bands. Includes concerts, arts & crafts, kid’s concerts, food and camping. Call 800-435-8429 or visit their website.

May 29-31 Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair. This fair features arts & crafts, music and a children’s activity area. Located at the River Start Arts & Events Center. Call 888-335-1455 or go to their website.

FREDERICKSBURG
May 28-29 Enjoy Louisiana style music and food at the Crawfish Festival. This includes the 3rd annual gumbo cook-off, horseshoe and washer pitching, arts & crafts and children’s area. Downtown at the Market Square. Visit their website or call 866-839-3378.

May 29-30 Check out the Living History Program while they host a re-enactment of a battle for an island in the Pacific during World War II. Located at the National Museum of the Pacific War Combat Zone. For more details, call 830-997-8600 or visit their website.

LLANO
May 28-29 Visit the Texas Proud Festival while re-enactors from all over the country compete in gunfighter, living history and period dress competitions. Their website or call 325-247-5354.

LUCKENBACH
May 29-31 Check out the town. They are having their 161st birthday party this weekend. Go to 412 Luckenbach Town Loop or visit their website or call 830-997-3224.

LONGVIEW
May 28-30 Party in the Pines Motorcycle Rally. For more details email: [email protected] or call 903-759-1948.

MIDLAND
May 31 CAF (Commemorative Air Force) Memorial Day Event. See the inside of a B-29 Superfortress and other aircraft. Includes a fly-in and plane rides. CAF Headquarters & Airpower Museum. Go to their website or call 432-563-1000.

JEFFERSON
May 29-Jefferson Fly-In & Open House. This features vintage airplanes and a barbecue at the Cypress River Airport. For more details, visit their website or call 903-665-7311.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND
MAY 29 Memorial Weekend Fireworks. This begins at 9:15 pm between Marlin & Red Snapper Street on Laguna Madre Bay. Call 956-761-6433 for details.

PORT ARTHUR
May 29-30 S.A.L.T. Fishing Rodeo. Enjoy a fishing tournament-inshore and offshore-with a children’s category. Located at Pleasure Island. Call 409-963-0433 for more details.

THROCKMORTON
May 21-23 World Championship Rocky Mountain Oyster Fest & BBQ 8 Includes live music, kids rides, vendors and food. World Champion rocky mountain oyster cookers will be crowned at this two day barbecue festival. Frank Rhoades Memorial Rodeo Arena. Check out their website.

DALLAS
May 26-June 27 Wicked is the story of how two unlikely friends end up as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch-long before Dorothy dropped in. Located at Music Hall at Fair Park. For more details, see their website or call 214-565-1116.

May 28-29 Elvis Costello will be in town at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. Call 214-692-0203 or visit their website.

Remember, whatever you do or wherever you go, ItalyNeotribune wants you to stay safe and enjoy the Lone Star State.