That is a question you will undoubtedly see posted in a local community chat group this Thursday evening. My hope is that by reading this column, you will be able to respond with, “it’s the return of Almost Friday Fest, featuring live music from First Impression!” Be sure to also remind them that it is free for everyone to attend and that it all starts at 5:00 p.m. and is over by 8:00 p.m.

I know that in Muscatine County it can be tough to ensure that everyone knows of things going on when it comes to events. Almost Friday Fest (AFF) is one of my personal favorite annual events that serve our entire county. There have been times that I have been on stage serving as emcee and have looked out into a crowd of over 1,000 people! I’m all about Muscatine doing things to serve everyone that lives here and that can attract tourists to visit. Jump online to www.AlmostFridayFest.org to view the entire calendar of events. I promise you won’t be bored this spring and summer here in the Pearl City.

This is all made possible thanks to the support of businesses and individuals in town. It was the brainchild of my friends Chris Boar and Brenda Christiansen, both of whom you’ll find working their tails off this Thursday at the event. They’ve also got a wonderful group of volunteers that are with them each time ensuring that everyone in attendance has a good time.

AFF is also family-friendly and will have beverages and food available for purchase, should be inclined to do so. It’s also a great way to kick off the end of the school year (Muscatine’s last day is also this Thursday) and, Memorial Day Weekend. All we need is for the weather to cooperate and for there to be no rain! We dealt with that last year and it was no fun, that’s for sure.

Do you think they’ll let me borrow a golf cart since I live close to the riverfront? Sure, I could walk, but it would be way more fun getting a ride up the hill on a golf cart!

Please, make plans to share with all your family and friends that Almost Friday Fest is back, and I hope to see you Thursday evening! Keep an eye out; I’m sure we’ll be tossing out free t-shirts from the stage and you could be a winner!

Have a great rest of your week and a wonderful, long weekend. I hope you’re able to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives while proudly serving our country. I’ll think of my family members and friends who made the ultimate sacrifice, for they are gone but certainly not forgotten. May they all rest in peace. Thank you.