With just a few weeks left before the Labor Day weekend, the traditional end of summer activities, many groups are holding fun activities this coming weekend. The biggest problem we will have is trying to make time to get to all that’s happening.

Messiah Lutheran Church in Clarkstown is celebrating 150 years as a congregation with a full weekend. Saturday you will enjoy foods ranging from hot dogs to ice cream, a variety of crafters and vendors, and a dime pitch staffed by young members of the parish. The Block Party will be held on the church lawn and parking lot area. Then on Sunday, a special worship service will take place outdoors (under a tent). Special guests will include Bishop Robert Driesen, bishop of the Upper Susquehanna Synod of the ELCA, former pastor Rev. Kathleen Shuck, and Rev. Connie Waugh, pastor of the Clarkstown United Methodist Church. Dick Lloyd will accompany the hymn singing on an antique portable pump organ and the church choir will present a hymn from long ago as an anthem.

Another special event this Saturday and Sunday will be the August Fest at the Lycoming County Fairground. This event features FREE admission and entertainment that includes PA Harness Races and a bluegrass band, “The Less Boys.” There will be food and craft vendors, a local winery, games for children, and Auburn’s Animals Petting Zoo. A very special local charity, “Meagan’s Box” will be collecting donations at a featured booth, so be sure to look for Meagan’s wonderful smile and help her fill her box of goodies for local needy children.

If you would like to head up the mountain to Eagles Mere, you’ll find a treasure on the Green this weekend. The 46th Annual Crafts Festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday. This is a favorite for many people from far and wide, featuring juried crafters and artists from across much of the Northeast. The gift-buying opportunities are abundant! You’ll also find good things to eat and many nice things for your own collection. While you are in town, be sure to visit the Eagles Mere Book Store, the Art Gallery, and the Eagles Mere Museum, plus all the other shops in the Village.

Summer Reading at Hughesville Area Public Library is winding down, with a couple of final programs for kids and adults. Of course, there are always new books for young and old, and Story Hour on most Fridays for preschoolers, so it’s always a good time to visit your library. Victoria Thompson-Hess, recently retired director of the Muncy Library, has joined to staff at HAPL and is expanding the outreach program for young children. The schedule of activities is now also available on the HAPL Facebook page, so be sure to keep your calendar up-to-date.

Find a dark spot outdoors, grab a mat or blanket, and watch the night skies this week for the Perseid Meteor Shower. While we will probably have some clouds, the forecast seems to promise some areas of clear sky, so we should be able to enjoy this annual celestial treat!

Hughesville Events:

Sat. Aug. 13, 10 – 4, Block Party at Messiah Lutheran Church in Clarkstown.

Sat. Aug. 13, Arts and Crafts Festival on the Green in Eagles Mere. from 10-5

Sat. Aug. 13 August Fest begins at the Lycoming County Fairground starting at 3:30 p.m. for Meagan’s Box Foundation. Continues on Sunday. There will be a Peach Fest earlier on Saturday at the Fairgrounds.

Sun. Aug. 14, 10 a.m, 150th Anniversary celebration worship service at Messiah Lutheran in Clarkstown.

Tues. Aug. 16, 6:30 p.m. “Life Hacks 101” Adult Summer Reading Program at Hughesville Area Public Library, 146 South Fifth Street. Learn some simple techniques to make your life easier.