Enjoying the summer heat
As I write this on the morning of July 1st, all of us at the Memorial Union are bracing for the afternoon heat – expected to exceed 100 degrees with the heat index. It certainly brings new meaning to our annual “Hot Summer Nights” promotion for what’s happening on the Memorial Union Terrace, which is now in full swing. I hope you’ve already had the chance to attend some of our events and are making plans to attend a few more before the season winds down. We’ll do what we can to keep the Terrace cool – like keeping the beverage stations well stocked.
“Hot Summer Nights” on the Memorial Union Terrace has become a uniquely Madison tradition over the years. Our most loyal attendees, UW Madison students and local Union members, have claimed the iconic space on Lake Mendota as their own. And with the support of organizations like the UW Credit Union, who has sponsored the Terrace Summer Stage the last few years, we are fortunate enough to be able to offer free entertainment six nights a week to all of you, along with new sponsor Lands’ End Canvas. This has always been a phenomenal deal – but even more so now as our collective wallets are stretched this summer. I can’t think of a better place to slip into a chair, enjoy the sights and sounds and forget about the rest of the world for a while than the Terrace. I hope you agree.
For those of you who may work or live on the near south side of campus, we are offering another option this summer if you need a “quick fix” and can’t make it to the Terrace on a Friday evening. Stop by “Jazz on the Plaza” at Union South on Friday afternoons from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Grab a cool beverage (and maybe a snack from The Sett) and enjoy a few moments of live jazz on the outdoor plaza. The series runs every Friday from July 8th through August 26th. I encourage you to give this more intimate setting a try at least once this summer and then let us know what you think.
It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through the summer – but I feel like I say that every year at this time. However, this year, I’m going to try hard to make the most of what’s left – whether that’s in spite of the heat or as a result of it, I’m not entirely sure yet. Either way, I know it will involve good friends and good times at the Union. I hope to see you here!
All my best,
Mark C. Guthier
