Exploring Summer Joy: Kendra’s Favorite Traditions and Activities

Summer is happening, bringing sunshine, laughter, and the perfect time to create unforgettable memories. Everyone has unique summertime traditions that make this season extra special. In our latest blog update, we’re excited to share the top summer activities and traditions from our Principal Planner, Kendra Lindahl, AICP.

Discover her favorite summer vacation spots, cherished childhood memories, and quirky family rituals. Get ready to be inspired by these delightful summer stories and tips, and make this season the best one yet!

How do you usually celebrate the Fourth of July (or any significant summer holiday), and what makes it unique?

We celebrate the 4^th of July at the cabin with family and friends.  Our lake has an annual boat parade on the 4^th of July, and people decorate their pontoons for bragging rights.  It is a lot of fun to see the pontoons and boats turned into pirate ships, bathtubs, Gilligan’s Island, etc. Our Margaritaville/flamingo-themed pontoon won the “major award” a few years ago and the trophy was proudly displayed for years.

What memorable summer experiences from your childhood that you still cherish today?

When I was growing up, my family took annual 2-3 week road trips around the United States.  As a result of those road trips, I was able to visit 47 of the 50 states before I graduated from high school (I can now say that I have visited all 50!). I can’t imagine what that was like for my parents with three girls stuffed into the back of a Chevy Celebrity station wagon 😊, but my memories are mostly good (no one was seriously injured), and I am very grateful to my parents for that gift.

Do you participate in any summer sports or outdoor activities, and if so, which ones?

Summers are lake time and we spend a lot of time on the water. My husband’s flex is that he can teach anyone how to water ski – as the skipper on the ski boat, I love to see the kid’s faces light up when they finally get up on skis!  It’s so fun to see that excitement and totally worth the boat gas to drag our nieces and nephews around the lake every summer.  I’m not a great skier, but I get dragged behind the boat a few times a year when the kids want to double or triple-ski.

How do you like to relax and unwind during the summer months?

My favorite way to relax and unwind is with a beach book and a cold glass of wine on the cabin’s deck.

Are there any summer festivals or events that you always take advantage of?

We try to attend the Aitkin County Fair or Aitkin Riverboat Heritage Days each summer to grab some cheese curds and see what’s new in my hometown.

As the sun sets on another beautiful summer day, we hope you’re inspired by Kendra’s traditions and activities. Whether it’s planning your next vacation spot or starting a new quirky family ritual, summer is the perfect time to make lasting memories. Share your favorite summer traditions on our social platforms, and let’s keep the summer joy alive all season long!