Even though the COVID-19 pandemic still is ongoing, rules have relaxed, and hopefully most people are fully vaccinated or getting vaccinated.

(If they aren’t, we strongly urge them to take that important step.)

Following the summer of 2020 when most of all major events were canceled in the region, this summer has opened up, with a few exceptions such as the canceled Art on the Rocks.

However, another event, the new Art on the Blocks, took place on Saturday, along with the annual OutBack Art Fair, which occurred on Saturday and Sunday. Art on the Blocks featured about 20 art and food vendors, live music and more.

Tiina Morin, arts and culture manager for the city of Marquette, told The Mining Journal that Art on the Blocks was a “low-risk alternative” to Art on the Rocks.

We believe that was a good decision. Life needs to move on.

Speaking of moving on, what the Marquette Downtown Development Authority called Blueberry Festival “Lite” is set for 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at West Washington and Front streets in Marquette.

The scaled-back festival still will have sidewalk sales, “blue” specials in downtown shops and food with the blueberry theme.

Also set for Friday and Saturday is the Little Lake Community Festival along M-35 East in Little Lake, which will feature vendors, music and an outdoor flea market, while a parade is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Saturday near Maple Lane Sports in Skandia for the Skandia Lions Community Days.

Another new event is on the horizon.

The Upper Peninsula Land Conservancy recently announced the first Bayou Art Walk, which is scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 20, 3 to 8 p.m. Aug. 21 and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 22 at its Chocolay Bayou Preserve in Harvey. To celebrate the bayou’s fifth anniversary, visitors can hike the trails, participate in a community art project, and meet and support exhibiting artists through the preserve.

It’s good to see the area start to come back to life. That does not mean, however, that all COVID protocols have to be dismissed. Wearing masks if you’re not fully vaccinated, social distancing when possible and washing hands still are good ideas.

We hope people have a great summer — and community events go a long way into making that happen.