I hate to be the bringer of bad news, but folks, we’ve all got to face the facts.

Summer is fading fast and Aug. 24 looms ever closer.

But don’t fear. There’s still time to try something new before classes begin.

Why not give locally grown food a chance this summer?

The Norman Farm Market, located at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds at 615 E. Robinson St., is open every Wednesday and Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to noon.

Featured in July and August are nectarines, okra, eggplant and squash.

There are also many options for exploring Oklahoma.

The Toy and Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley will certainly set the inner dork in all of us free, while the Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum in — fittingly — the small town of Gene Autry will satisfy history buffs or singing-cowboy-wannabes.

Hikers and campers who visit the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge could have a chance to see elk, bison, deer and longhorns in an open-range environment, but the Web site warns that “visitors must be prepared to meet nature on its terms.”

It could be worth the drive (which takes about an hour and a half from Norman) just to find out exactly what that mysterious admonition means.

For those not wanting to venture outdoors in the late-summer heat, there is also the alternative of renting a movie ... for free. With a library card, movies are available for check out from the Norman Public Library. All OU students are eligible for a library card.

If you’re feeling lucky, you could try to get Paul McCartney tickets for his Aug. 17 concert at the BOK Center in Tulsa. The concert is sold out, but other tickets may be released, and some radio stations are still awarding tickets to listeners (Magic 104.1, 92.5 KOMA).

Norman also has many avenues for volunteering. Local organizations such as East Main Place, Food and Shelter for Friends and Habitat for Humanity claim to always welcome volunteers. The Norman Public Library’s literacy program is another way for students to get involved in the community.

And what better way to celebrate summer than baseball? Throughout the beginning of August, the Redhawks, Oklahoma City’s minor league baseball team, are scheduled to play a good number of home games at the Bricktown Ballpark downtown.

Tickets can be purchased for as little as $7. Hot dogs not included.

Of course, there’s always the OU football season to get ready for. It’s never too early to get mentally prepared. Maybe the fall semester won’t be so bad after all.

Megan Morgan is a professional writing senior.