Tired of watching the dark storm clouds roll overhead? Sick of sloshing to and from work, home and school?

Well, the weather forecasters say things will brighten up this weekend with gorgeous weather ready to roll for two big events this weekend.

The annual Festival of the Hills at Ohio University Southern promises to delight audiences both young and old alike.

The festival has become almost a rite of fall. From the wonderful music and great food to the crafts and pony rides for the children, the event delivers family entertainment for folks from all walks of life.

Festival-goers will have a chance to see a little bit of history as well with displays from the past including a special authentic chuckwagon exhibit, a first for the festival.

Organizers work many, many months on making the festival a success each year. And each one deserves our thanks for putting in the long hours.

And while the festival is made possible by a small group of volunteers, the second annual Rock on the River 2004 concert is the brainchild of one man, Ironton parent Darrell McFann.

Frustrated by hearing complaints that area youth did not have any safe place to go have fun on the weekend, McFann created the rock concert on the riverbank.

Targeting teens and young adults, the concert will certainly give area teens a fun place to go and hang out in a safe atmosphere on Saturday night.

The two events - the Festival of the Hills and the Rock on the River 2004 - may seem like completely different kinds of events, and they are. But one common thread runs through both - creativity and a little hard work can make our community a much better place in which to live.

If you hear anyone lament "there's never anything to do around here," remember the hard work that volunteers do to create fun things for our area.