There’s a lot going on these days in Macon County so let’s dive right in.

Tax Free Weekend

We have an opportunity coming up to give a little boost to our local businesses.

In preparation for “back to school,” August 6-8 is a sales tax free holiday in Tennessee.

A lot of items including clothing, school supplies and computers will be available to purchase without having to pay sales tax.

The temptation will be to hop in the car and head to Providence or Rivergate Mall and take advantage of the event, but I encourage you to look to your own backyard - your Macon County businesses - first.

A lot of businesses right here in town can help you get ready to go back to school.

Macon Department Store, Indigo Blues, Factory Connection, Price Right Shoes, and Kidz Korner, among others, offer a variety of great clothing items that will qualify for the tax exemption.

Walmart will also have clothes, school supplies and other items that qualify.

While I understand that the local government will not have the benefit of sales tax revenue this weekend, spending a few bucks at home - while saving on the sales tax - will go a long ways toward helping the sustainability of our local businesses.

The Fair

It’s time for the Macon County Fair.

There is a story in this week’s paper as well as an insert detailing a schedule of events and fees associated with the fair.

For many people, the fair is the culmination of many months of hard work.

For some that may come in the form of entering pageants.

For others it may be preparing an exhibit or having spent countless hours raising cattle, sheep or goats.

There will be many fun activities and events that are pure entertainment. Plus games, rides and more.

We live in a world where our entertainment choices - the movies and telelvision programs we watch and the music we listen to - are often dubious at best.

However, the Macon County Fair is about as wholesome entertainment as you can get.

It’s affordable and fun, and in many ways, it is put on by neighbors for neighbors.

August 2-7. I hope you take a little time and go to the fair this year.

Vote

I encouraged it last week.

Election day is August 5. If you haven’t voted, please be sure to do so.

There are many issues at stake and your vote does count.

Back to school

It’s almost time for the kids to go back to school, and that almost means that activities are gearing up at the schools.

Teachers will be prepapring for classes, the football team is gearing up for a great season, and activity in general is increasing at our schools.

Take care when driving around the schools. Class may still be out of session, but there are a lot of activities - including ones involving children - going on.

You may call Clay Morgan at 666-2440 (office) or 670-6989 (cell). His e-mail address is cmorgan@heartlandpublications.com.