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A friend of mine recently lamented that she hates it when the mornings and nights are cooler because it’s a sign that summer is on its way out.
I couldn’t have disagreed with her more. I have never been fond of the day-tonight thermometer busting temperatures and as I grow older, I am even less a fan of extended heat and humidity.
The more comfortable temperature range is a harbinger of fall, my favorite season of the year. And it’s not because of the whole pumpkin spice latte thing. I’m more of a black coffee with a splash of half n’ half kind of girl. I just like the festivals, the foliage and the fun associated with autumn.
But summer is far from over. Even though school is starting soon, there are still plenty of summery things to do.
The Palmer Center Ice Cream Supper One of the most anticipated events of the summer season is the annual ice cream supper at the Palmer Community Center in Collierstown Saturday, Aug. 19. Sponsored by the Effinger Ruritans, this event, now in its 33rd year, is enjoyed by just about everybody within the confines of Rockbridge County. It has become a community picnic with farmers, politicians, preachers, lawyers, school teachers, retirees – pretty much everyone from all walks of life sitting down to a great meal together.
After streamlining the menu last year, the Ruritans plan on bringing back popular items like grilled corn on the cob and pulled pork barbecue. You can expect other picnic type items like hamburgers, cheeseburgers and hot dogs. And of course there will be plenty of homemade ice cream in a variety of flavors for dessert to eat there or take away in quarts.
The event starts at 4 p.m. and ends at dark.
The Rockbridge Community Festival
For 46 years, Lexington has closed down its streets and opened the downtown to vendors and shoppers for the annual Rockbridge Community Festival.
This event just gets bigger every year. One can find a large selection of crafts, jewelry, homemade beauty products and information about various organizations in the community. Without fail, it usually takes place on the hottest day of the year so the booths selling cold drinks are always popular.
The festival begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m.
The Rockbridge Beer and Wine Festival Libationists, lend me your ears! The Rockbridge Beer and Wine Festival will be taking place at Lime Kiln Theater the second Saturday in September, from noon to 6 p.m. This event draws beer and wine enthusiasts from all over the state. Rockbridge has a number of wineries now serving delicious wines, and you can expect local favorites like Ecco Adesso, Great Valley Farm, Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery and Lexington Valley Vineyard. Additionally there will be representatives from Virginia breweries, cideries and vineyards far and wide.
Food trucks will be on hand for hungry festival goers, but attendees are welcome to bring their own picnic food, blankets and chairs. Live music will be provided as well.
Tickets can be purchased in advance at $40 and at the gate at $50. Each ticket holder is entitled to an afternoon of unlimited tastings. Non-drinkers can also purchase tickets for $15 for access to the music and the food.
I am particularly excited about the beer and wine festival because I am usually at Virginia Beach while it’s going on. But my beach vacation plans had to be amended this year so I will be among the attendees.
The weather is usually agreeable for this event and I can remember one year that was downright chilly. With temperatures in flux at this time of year, it might be a good thing to bring a jacket and an umbrella.
