(Enlarge) The members of D.C. Sports Bikes club, which included Marc Malouf, David Luu and Mike Busch, were seated on their respective Suzukis and Ducatis as they took in the scenery of West Friendship before getting back on the road. "This is a great country area," some of the members said. (Submitted photo)

A Fourth of July like no one could recall. That's the way it was in West Friendship on the weekend of the "Fourth" when the weather could only be described as Cape Cod heavenly. Beautiful breezes brought out yard displays that captured the patriotic feeling.

From the Bandel's World War II Jeep lawn tableaux to the red, white and blue house decor of Kathy and Kenny Drake's lovely home, to American flags waving from the garden fences along Triadelphia Road, all the scenes evoked Americana.

Even a band of traveling motorcyclists who roared through town declared, "This is a great country area." The club members of D.C. Sports Bikes which included Marc Malouf, David Luu and Mike Busch, were seated on their respective Suzukis and Ducatis and ready to roll, but not before taking in the scenery of West Friendship before getting back on the road.

"All items are $5 or less." That's all I had to hear to peak my interest. Charity's Closet, a division of Success in Style, which is a nonprofit organization promoting dignity and self sufficiency among disadvantaged women by providing them with business attire and practical fashion advice, is opening the doors to all in the community.

The excess of clothing from Success in Style is now being sold to the general public at Charity's Closet, 9090 Frederick Road at St. John's Lane (next to Southern States), in Ellicott City. The "closet" is open on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. On Sunday, July 19, the vendors from The Pink Cabbage, the eclectic consignment shop next to Foster's Country Store, are partnering with Charity's Closet for a blow out Pink Flea Market. The sales from the big sale which is to be held at the Charity's Closet location will go towards the programs at Success in Style. For the July 19 event, the hours are 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Clothing for less than $5 and flea market baubles and goodies galore. Come out and support this valuable effort. Questions? Call Jeannette Kendall at 410-750-6475.

Come on out and grab a bargain say the busy volunteers at St. James United Methodist Church.

"There is no charge for vendor spaces," Janet Sowers said.

Yard sale, flea market and craft vendors are welcome to unload their treasures July 18 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The community is invited for what Janet calls "one stop shopping."

If you would like to participate, call the church office at 410-442-2020 to reserve a spot. St. James is on Route 99, near Route 32 and near our great new West Friendship Fire Station 3.

Ivy Wells has had a ball planning the lineup for the Sykesville Summer Concert in the Park series. The second concert of the season is set for July 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. The concert which will be held at the Millard Cooper Park features the band, Red Line. Bring lawn chairs, blankets or quilts for this old time concert in the park affair. Chick-fil-A sandwiches will be for sale along with Hoffman's homemade ice cream. The event is a family friendly one, with a well lit playground as part of the draw for the youngest visitors. Questions? Need directions? Want more information? Call Ivy Wells at 410-795-8959.

Auctions galore this week at the Howard County Fairgrounds. Ellen Hill Kilby of Allen T. Hill and Associates Auctions will hold a country auction July 18 at 10 a.m. Roy Gregory of Gregory Auctions will follow up on July 21 with an auction which begins at 4 p.m.

Carole Kramer is tireless when it comes to sorting books. It's an all year job for Kramer, who heads up the Shepherd of the Glen Lutheran Church yearly book sale. This year marks the 14th annual fall book sale for the church and Carole Kramer has coordinated the massive book collection from the beginning.

It is this time of year when Carole and her crew begin reminding folks to "bring us the books." The call is for books, records, CDs, DVDs and videos. I personally have dropped off several box lots and will probably end up going back and purchasing just as many once the sale begins in September.

For now, the plea is out for donations and Kramer has made the process simple by asking that any donation be left inside the oversized plastic storage bench which is located next to the side door of the building. Tax donation forms are inside the bin.

Shepherd of the Glen is at 14551 Burntwoods Road, in Glenwood.

Away from home this summer and looking for West Friendship news? For up to the minute local activities and event scheduling, check out the West Friendship neighborhood blog at www.explorehoward.com.

The Howard County Fairgrounds is a bit like the quiet before the storm just about now. Prior to the county fair, the acreage is abuzz with preparation but there is still one more summer event that isn't related to the Howard County fair. A Maryland Western Horse Association Show is set for July 19, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. If your little ones don't like the big crowd scene, than the slower pace of this show might be just the thing for introducing the wonders of equestrian feats.

This time two years ago, I shared the story of my husband and I driving close to 1,000 miles during a 48-hour period just to hear our grandson, Henry, say "uh-oh" in person. Last year I reported that. " Soon we will see Henry and by now he's moved on to full sentences such as, 'I love trucks.' " This summer is the third year for Henry and his twin sister, Emma, at their summer farm near the Green Mountains in Vermont. Henry and Emma both have told us the exciting tale of the night the "bird got in our house."

E-mail me or give me a call with news of your summer travels or your Howard County Fair preparations.

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