July 2, 2026

Title: WEEKEND FUN IN THE SUN (Freestyle)

Constructor: Amanda Rafkin and Amie Walker

Editor: Amanda Rafkin


Theme synopsis:
WEEKEND FUN IN THE SUN (Freestyle): There's no theme (in the traditional sense) today, as this is a freestyle, or themeless puzzle. There are a number of entries that relate to the title. 

Random thoughts and interesting things:
  • Amanda and Amie did a great job of fitting a ton of entries into the grid that relate to WEEKEND FUN IN THE SUN. I've divided them into two categories. If your WEEKEND FUN IN THE SUN includes a barbecue, these entries might apply:
    • SLAW (4A: Barbecue side dish)
    • HAMBURGER (17A: Barbecue food often topped with cheese)
    • PINT (25A: Ice cream quantity)
    • BREAD (33A: Buns, pitas, etc.)
    • OTTER POPS (57A: Frozen, fruit-flavored treats) I've previously written about OTTER POPS.
    • VEGGIE DOG (9D: Plant-based barbecue offering you might relish?)
  • If – in addition to or instead of a barbecue – your WEEKEND FUN IN THE SUN includes watching fireworks, a trip to the beach, or playing with friends, these entries might apply:
    • SHOE STORE (13A: Place to buy flip-flops)
    • AWE (22A: Feeling inspired by a fireworks show)
    • POOL PARTY (32D: Event with inflatable drink holders)
    • TOYS (53D: Foam footballs and dive rings, e.g.)
    • PTO (59D: Vacation days, e.g.) PTO = paid time off
  • GRIN (21A: Smile after seeing how much you've saved) and OMG YES (41A: Excited exclamation after realizing you just got a good deal) This is a fun pairing.
  • OKAPIS (31A: Giraffe relatives) Although OKAPIS have striped legs that resemble the legs of zebras, they are actually members of the giraffe family. 
  • SPA (44A: Qua Baths & ___ (Caesars Palace amenity)) Qua Baths & SPA is a luxury SPA found at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and at Caesars Atlantic City. The Las Vegas facility occupies 50,000 square feet and includes Roman-inspired baths as well as other SPA offerings.
  • ICE-T (49A: "6 in the Mornin'" rapper) ICE-T's song "6 in the Mornin'" was released in 1986. The song is in the gangsta rap genre, a subgenre of hip-hop that deals with the culture and experiences of urban gangs. "6 in the Mornin'" begins with the lines "six in the morning, police at my door."
  • AHA (2D: "Now I get it!") Always nice to see an "AHA!" moment right in the grid.
  • EBT (14D: Grocery payment option (Abbr.)) Electronic benefit transfer (EBT) is a system used to purchase food through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
  • ROLE (20D: Mary Todd Lincoln, for Cole Escola) I have previously written about the Broadway show, Oh, Mary! Cole Escola wrote the play and originated the role of Mary Todd Lincoln.
  • WOKE (23D: Had an eye-opening experience?) When you WOKE up this morning, you (hopefully) opened your eyes.
  • SCOTUS (44D: Ketanji Brown Jackson's grp.) SCOTUS stands for Supreme Court of the United States. Ketanji Brown Jackson has been a Supreme Court Justice since June 30, 2022. The abbreviation "grp." in the clue alerts solvers that the answer will be an abbreviation.
  • ERNIE (47D: Bert's buddy) I'm always happy to see ERNIE and Bert mentioned in the puzzle.
  • PEELE (48D: "Him" producer Jordan) Him is a 2025 football-themed horror movie. Jordan PEELE is one of the film's producers; Him was directed by Justin Tipping. Marlon Wayans and Tariq Withers star as football players.
  • SPCA (54D: Pet rescue org.) SPCA stands for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Normally I would share a photo of my cat, Willow, in response to this clue. I'm giving Willow the day off, however, but never fear, there's a cat photo to be shared! I was recently going through some things at my mom's old house, and I came across the following photo in an album I made for my parents shortly after our son was born, 32 years ago. This photo (from the pre-smartphone camera era!) shows our son, who was one month old at the time, and our former cat, Indy. I had forgotten about this photo, so it was a delightful find!
A baby and a calico cat are lying on the floor, back-to-back, in similar positions.

  • SEP (60D: Celebratory mo. for some Virgos) Virgo is the astrological sign for those born between August 22 and September (SEP) 22.
I always enjoy a "themed-ish" freestyle puzzle. This is a great puzzle to get us ready for the long holiday weekend. Thank you, Amanda and Amie, for this celebratory puzzle.

A note about comments: I welcome your comments on the blog! For one thing it's nice to know folks are reading what I've written. My goal for this blog has always been for it to be informational, conversational, and kind. I ask that you keep those goals in mind when commenting. Unkind comments will be deleted. Note that I am more likely to delete a negative comment if it is posted anonymously. (P.S. You can point out when I make a mistake – in fact, I appreciate that so I can correct it.) 

Comments

Post a Comment