4th of July in Hamden, Connecticut: The Hamden Summer Barbeque Series

It's gonna be a big summer in 2008, thanks to the genius behind the Hamden Summer BBQ Series, making it's long awaited return to the greater Hamden area. Your's truly, The Kid, has once again collaborated with several fine gentlemen from Hamden to bring to you what should be the greatest summer in the history of the world.

The first leg of the Hamden Summer BBQ Series is unfortunately closed to the outside world as you much receive an invitation to attend. In year's past, it has been the kick-off to the Summer, bringing some of the finest individuals together for a notorious good time. The Big Vig, now in it's 4th year, kicks off the summer on June 21 at a non-disclosed location. If you've ever attended The Big Vig, you know what you're in for. Beer, burgers, live music, good people and good times. Now that The Big Vig is more "family friendly", the more sophomoric activities, such as the beer pong tournament, have been cancelled. There is always hope for a Texas Hold 'Em game to break out at any given moment. The Big Vig is also celebrated as one of the more culinary extensive events of the year. Dan Vigs will put his stamp - that is, if it's not already on it - on The Big Vig with the introduction of his homebrew. All natural, all good. And be prepared to wear your pinstripes as The Vigs are Yankee Friendly!

The second leg of the Hamden Summer BBQ Series is set and locked in for July 3rd. Originally, KidFest '08 was scheduled to run two days, but has since been dialed back to one day to accommodate another BBQ. KidFest is the place where the before-mentioned sophomoric and now exiled activities have thrived in the past. Billed as an "old school kegger" by it's founder, The Kid, KidFest '08 is making it's triumphant return after a one-year hiatus. In the past, KidFest has gone by a simple formula - beer, pong and burgers - and people love The Kid for it. Open to the public, The Kid urges people to get there early as tent space is running out. On this year's docet, The Kid is bringing in a whole slew of heavy hitters to combat the old stalwats at Beer Pong. Nikki Sweets will once again lead the charge for inclusion of Flip Cup, but The Kid has something better up his sleeve...Washers. Don't ask, don't tell. If you're into good grill work, cold beer, profanity and a lot of cigarette smoking - then KidFest '08 is the place for you. But there is one stipulation put into place by The Kid this year - visit his t-shirt shop at www.cafepress.com/thekidstshirts and pick up a Kid's World original T - because without one, you can't get into KidFest!

Jay Ollie's Oral Farm July 4th Shi* Show is one of two BBQ coming onto the scene as official members of the H.S.B.S. While the JOOFJ4SS has been running for some time now, 2008 will mark the first time that it's sponsored by the H.S.B.S. and The Kid's World. Usually a gathering for family and friends, call it a meshing of all things that are The Big Vig and KidFest. Another wide variety of food, Ollie's 4th party is almost "block wide" as his entire neighborhood has championed the cause. In 2007, the party kept moving from yard-to-yard as once college booze bags turned fathers and husbands "strapped one on" and got at it old school style. The one kicker for Ollie's 4th - Ice Luge. Yep, come see a wide array of folks taking shot-after-shot off a five foot block of ice while children run amuck and the phrase "talent" is lobbed back and forth between old and young alike.

July 5th closes out the holiday weekend segment of 2008's H.S.B.S with "SommerTime". A former Hamdenite, since relocated to North Haven, will be throwing his first meaningless BBQ in Sommer's history. Labeled "The Porn Compound" by The Kid's World contributor, The Big Irish, SommerTime will have all the usual - a ton of BBQ, a ton of beer as well as a swimming pool and the possibility for a wiffleball game to breakout. Parking is scarce, but if you know Sommer then give The Big Brown Kid a shout and ask for inclusion. Former local celebrity turned Hip Hop DJ in Providence, R.I. Kerry Collins is slated to make the trip in from R.i. while all the regulars - Hero Like Things, The Kid, The Big Irish, OB and a whole gaggle of others are sure to turn out.

Finally, Jimmy Miller's Pig Roast will be making his return to the H.S.B.S. after also taking a year off. When we last turned into Jimmy's bash, there was a hurricane whipping through the tri-state area. Dan Vigs may or may not have killed the pig that was roasted with his bare hands, but one thing is for certain - you do not want to miss this one. Some of the finest, freshest meats anyone could ever ask for, plus good people and triple beer pong games banging off constantly.

Some come one, come all. Welcome to a big summer!