“My favorite thing about summer is hanging out with my friends. I love going to the Royals games and just spending time outside and going to farmers market - just relaxing.”

— Rachel Barnes, Kansas University student/lifeguard, Lawrence

“I like to dirt-bike because I don't have time to do it during school.”

— Gabe Sosman, eighth-grader, Tonganoxie

“My favorite part of summer is being able to get a break from school and not have to go to classes and wake up early.”

— Era'me Spearman, KU senior, Kansas City, Kan.

“My favorite part about summer is the St. John's Mexican Fiesta and the pool and downtown in general. Students are gone, it's kind of empty, and you don't have to fight to eat somewhere or for parking.”

— Teri Williams, hairstylist, Lawrence

“My favorite thing about the summer is probably actually just the fact that it is such a hot summer. In Minnesota it's snowy and gross almost all year, so just being here and enjoying the sun and being able to lay out and feel like you're on vacation even if you're just having a weekend.”

— Jade Tittle, bartender/retail, Lawrence

“My favorite part about summer are the flower gardens and vegetable gardens that my husband and I do. Each summer I just look forward to fresh, garden-ripened tomatoes. It's part of what we enjoy doing in summer. And I have to admit air-conditioning is also helpful after those hours of gardening.”

— Maria Martin, gallery owner, Lawrence