The Central Illinois summer festival season is heating up, along with the summer temperatures.

These local and regional festivals take on added importance with the rough economic times.

First, many people are cutting back on vacations and other travel because of economic uncertainty. Therefore, having this type of entertainment so close to home is a welcome diversion - and an economical alternative.

Second, the festivals can provide an economic boost for their communities. In addition to the benefit received by those directly involved in the festivals, nearby service stations and other stores can gain sales from the increased traffic.

Sure, the big roller coasters and other mega-rides at a Six Flags-type park are thrilling. But many children can have just as much fun going on carnival rides with their friends close to home.

Pontiac's Summer Bash, which runs through Sunday is combining the Walldogs Festival, Heritage Days, Pontiac Cruise Night and even a celebration of the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln.

With an expected 160 artists in town to paint 18 murals in the downtown area, Pontiac will enjoy the fruits of this event long after the last corn dog is consumed.

Pontiac, of course, is only one of many communities - large and small - with one or more festivals taking place this summer.

Gridley Fest is going on today and Saturday. Saybrook's Freedom Festival is Sunday.

Nearly every town in Central Illinois has some sort of Independence Day celebration on this week's schedule.

There are also perennial favorites such as the Lincoln Art and Balloon Festival and Danvers Days. Eureka is even celebrating its sesquicentennial this year.

Bloomington-Normal has ongoing outdoor concerts and plays - including the Illinois Shakespeare Festival that just got under way - as well as the Sugar Creek Arts Festival, Sweet Corn and Blues Festival, various downtown Bloomington events and weekly farmers markets in both downtowns.

And we haven't even mentioned the county fairs, with their 4-H displays, midways and music.

People lament the passing of "the good old days," but you can feed your nostalgia through old-fashioned festivals, ice cream socials and carnivals - even neighborhood potlucks.

If a tight budget is keeping you closer to home this summer, look at it as an opportunity to rediscover what makes this area special. Think like a tourist, instead of a local. Pretend you're showing visitors the sights - even if you have no visitors because they are cutting back on travel, too.

You might be surprised by what you discover.