Summer is finally, officially here.

Some of you may not think that's such a good thing based on how high the temperature and humidity have been this month.

The Fingerlakes Mall is a great place to come and cool off and enjoy an ice cream or a smoothie.

This month, visitors may stop by the mall not only to feed their stomach at lunch time but one's mind as well with outdoor knowledge from Bass Pro Shops.

Lunch time seminars run daily at 12:30 p.m.; stop by the customer service department for details.

Game Stop is proud to finally announce the biggest requested release since the Wii Game System. At midnight June 29, the store will release “Aerosmith for Guitar Hero.”

Also, in honor of fathers everywhere for Father's Day, the mall is proud to announce the winner of the mall's “Why I Love My Dad” essay contest. Dylan Knapp, 11, of Auburn, won with this submission:

“I love my Dad because he took me in 6 years ago! You see, he is my Uncle Glenn Secaur.

“He takes me fishing and hunting. We plays basketball and we play with Drake, our Black lab.

“We through the football to each other. He buys me my food and cloths.

“I love you Uncle Glenn and thank you for being here for me.

“Your nephew

“Dylan Knapp.”

For having the winning essay, Knapp won a portable GPS system for his uncle.

Next month, one of the largest used book sales in the region takes place right in our own backyard; the 17th annual Book Bonanza to benefit St. Joseph School will be held Saturday and Sunday, July 12 and 13, in the center court area of the mall.

Last year was the biggest Book Bonanza ever, bringing 5,500 people to the event. More than 100,000 used books, audiobooks, videos, CDs and DVDs were donated by community members for the sale.

For a community of just 30,000, that is quite an accomplishment. Paperbacks and children's books are just 50 cents; hardcover books are just $1, with videos at $2 and DVDs starting at $2.

A “Better Books” section contains better quality items in the $2-$10 range.

Then Sunday is “$2 a Bag Day” starting at 10 a.m., with better books at $5 per bag.

The books are sorted into more than 60 categories, such as: history, biography, religion, sports, science fiction and more. General fiction books are sorted into categories by author's last name.

Donations of new and used books, videos, CDs, DVDs and more are now being accepted at the book drop, located near the main mall entrance near Sears during mall hours. (Please no encyclopedias, textbooks, Readers Digest Condensed books, anything wet or without covers.)

For the price of one hardcover book, you can buy your family an entire year's worth of reading pleasure - don't miss the fun and the bargains next month.

For more information, please call 224-3941 or e-mail laruediane2000@yahoo.com.

Remember to stay informed on the latest happenings at the Fingerlakes Mall by visiting www.fingerlakesmall.com.

Tracie Murphy is the marketing manager for the Fingerlakes Mall.