How to Keep Cool During Middletown's Heat Wave

With temperatures in the 90s at least through the day Sunday, you may be wondering how to keep yourself and the family cool during this late spring heat wave.

Water is the obvious choice, but for those who fancy a little entertainment and don't so much mind the rising temperatures, we've compiled some local events as well.

The usual swimming holes in Middletown — namely Veterans Pool and Crystal Lake — aren't yet open for the season. So we've gathered a handful of places where you can cool off and keep sane — at least until Sunday night's projected thunderstorms.

• Wadsworth Falls State Park — A great place to go during the week as there is no parking charge. It's more of a place for families with little kids, who will love digging in the sand and swimming in the shallow water. Early to mid-summer features hundreds of tadpoles the children will love trying to catch and eventually teeny tiny frogs the size of sunflower seeds hopping along the shore. One drawback is it's often on the list of swimming areas that is periodically closed by the DEEP for bacteria in the water so be sure to check before going. There are lifeguards during the daytime.
• — Perfect for those who prefer the refreshment of cool, fast-rushing water to stand beneath or dip the toes into. It's more for older children and adults as there are many boulders to navigate to get to a spot to relax. There are many picnic tables and grills for those who wish to spend the day. There are walking trails in the woods as well.
• Higganum Reservoir — A large, lovely out-of-the-way place at the edge of the woods that allows fishing for sunfish and a huge swimming area. The sounds, scents and sights of nature abound. You man be lucky enough to spy a Great Blue Heron in flight as one frequents the area. Especially terrific for families who can bring their noodles, rafts, canoes, kayaks and any other water toys. The water isn't clear, but it's certainly not dirty, and you will be splashing among the fish who take an occasional nip at the toes.
• Northern Middlesex YMCA — A membership is required to use the large, six-lane pool and smaller, warmer pool — both open daily — and lessons are offered for children and adults. The YMCA is running a summer special now — $1 per day individual and $2 per day family memberships (two-week minimum). Stop by 99 Union Street to sign up.

• Saturday Morning Qigong
  
• "British" style CAR BOOT(TRUNK) Sale
• Community Yoga
• Middletown Kids Health & Safety Day
• If you love cars, the 8th Annual E.J.K. Car Show at Xavier High School on Randolph Road is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 
  
• From noon Saturday to noon Sunday, the Greater Middletown Relay for Life is taking place on the Woodrow Wilson Middle School track. Free events are scheduled throughout the weekend.
• A little far afield is the Essex Rotary Shad Bake Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
• Canadian clown Jonathon Ellison leads a unique life, combining international clowning adventures, community education and Sustainable Landscape Design on a global level. The Buttonwood Tree and ARTFARM are partnering to bring Jonathon to Middletown on
  Sunday at 3 pm for a public talk about his work.
  
• Watch The Great Make Believe Society perform different kinds of improv comedy! See the styles of improv comedy made popular in Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, and New York at the Buttonwood Tree. Tickets are $5.00. Click here.