Fun times and fellowship. If there’s anything that shouts “Summertime!” louder than the mercury crashing past 100 degrees, it’s spending time with friends outside under blue skies.

Once again this year, the Suffolk Department of Parks and Recreation is helping to create those summertime memories with its weekly TGIF parties, planned for Fridays through July 23 at Constant’s Wharf Park and Marina and in August at Bennett’s Creek Park. Those attending the events can expect music, food, beverages and a relaxed time of fellowship with friends new and old. And admission is free.

It’s one of the little things that Suffolk Parks and Recreation is doing for citizens of the city, one of the little things that ultimately add up to a better quality of life, and one of the things that people who do live here can be proud of their city government for sponsoring, with help from a few corporate sponsors.

Events such as TGIF help bring people together who otherwise might never spend time getting to know one another. They help promote some of the city’s best recreational facilities. They give people a cheap source of family entertainment at a time when all of the family is at home and Mom and Dad are looking for something that will be fun and distracting for the kids, while still giving the adults something to look forward to.

Are you looking for something fun and inexpensive to do on Fridays this summer? Suffolk has your answer, and after your first visit, you’ll be thanking goodness it’s Friday, too.