SUMMERY SUMMARY : The Memorial-to-Labor-Day Sandwich Is Stacked With Standbys and Fresh Stuff

We’ve endured a long, damp winter and a mostly gloomy spring. We’ve suffered mudslides, bankruptcy, sports strikes and the interminable spectacle of the O.J. trial. Summer has taken its sweet time coming, but now the warm months stretch before us, and we can again contemplate a few moments in the sun.

The arts and entertainment scene in Orange County offers nothing earthshaking, but after recent events, we’ll take what we can get. Familiar rituals are on the way: the Orange County Fair (this year’s theme--horticulture and goats!), a bit of Shakespeare, outdoor concerts and a visit from the circus, to mention a few.

There are some new things to welcome as well, including a couple of substantial additions to the theme parks. The Indiana Jones Adventure is already packing ‘em in at Disneyland, while Knott’s Berry Farm is offering a new thrill ride, Jaguar!, beginning in June.

The recent opening of the Huntington Beach Art Center adds a welcome spark to the visual art scene--and it’s close to the beach, which the cash-strapped county hasn’t managed to sell yet. At more established museums, exhibits slated to open in July include looks at the California Tonalist painters and the art of tattoos (at the Laguna Art Museum) and an investigation of African influence on European artists (at Newport Harbor Art Museum).

Meanwhile, the Royal Danish Ballet (beginning Tuesday at the Orange County Performing Arts Center) promises to be the highlight of the classical and dance summer season, which will also include a Houston Grand Opera production of “Porgy and Bess” in late June. Classic theater will include tastes of Chekhov (“The Cherry Orchard,” opening May 25) as well as Shakespeare (“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in June and “Richard III” in July).

The summer pop schedule is still taking shape, but the class act so far is the pairing of Richard Thompson and David Lindley at the Coach House next month.

And finally, in the rock equivalent of “Jurassic Park,” a long-vanished behemoth will again walk the Earth: Boston (yep, those ‘70s “More Than a Feeling” guys) is set to play Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre in July.

A few words of advice: Schedules are subject to change. There are always a few cancellations and adjustments in the summer lineup, and some of the season’s highlights are bound to be announced in the coming weeks. Check with the venue or ticket agency for details, and consult the weekly OC Live! listings for updates.