As we enjoy the last weeks of summer and approach the autumnal equinox, I have noticed some strange things in my yard. While most of my garden is “winding down,” one of our flowering pear trees has suddenly sported some blossoms! I hope that it is just a fluke and that come April or May there will be many more blooms on that tree as well as the others like it. The Witch Hazel is blooming and apples are ripening, so I know it won’t be long until the other usual fall signs start to appear. We can only hope that the recently developed Hurricane Irma won’t become a factor in local weather. We certainly don’t want to experience anything like what the folks in southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana have been dealing with.

Next Saturday is the day for the annual Rotary “Balloonfest, Air Show, and So Much More.” Lycoming County Rotary clubs (Hughesville, Muncy, Montoursville, and Williamsport) are preparing to make this another memorable year. In addition to hot air balloon launches in the early morning and early evening, there are many events scheduled throughout the day on Saturday, including an air show, ATV races, BMX skill performances, and much more. Of course, there will be food and craft vendors and live entertainment, so it will be a great day for people of all ages.

Another fun event happening in town will be the Greater Hughesville Business Association (GHBA) Scavenger Hunt next Friday and Saturday. Member businesses will have prizes and incentives when you visit on those days. The GHBA, in conjunction with the HHS Band Boosters, will hold a Bingo fund-raiser to be held at the HVFD Fire Hall on Sunday the 17th beginning at 2 p.m.( doors open at 1).

Hughesville Events:

Fri. Sept. 8 “Busy Bee Art Club”, a station-based art exploration activity for children 18 months to 3 1/2 years, at Hughesville Area Public Library (HAPL), 146 S. Fifth Street from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Sat. Sept. 9 Craft making activity for all ages at HAPL’s “Maker Table” from 1 – 2 p.m.

Mon. Sept. 11″Wee Tales” for children ages 12 months to 3 years and their caregivers at HAPL, 10:30 – 11:15 a.m.

Mon. Sept. 11 “Adult Clay Therapy” at HAPL from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. The project is building toad abodes. Early registration is needed for the limited number of spaces in this class.

Tues. Sept. 12, “Wee Play” for children ages 2 – 6 years and their caregivers at HAPL from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Fri. & Sat. Sept.15 &16 GHBA Scavenger Hunt.

Sat. Sept. 16 Historical tour with the East Lycoming Historical Society at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. A walking tour will by given by Thomas Crawley who will point out some impressive burials of WWII veterans. Rain date will be Sat. Sept. 23.

Sat. Sept. 16 Rotary Balloonfest, Air Show, and So Much More at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds, beginning with balloon launches at 6:30 a.m. Gates open to the public at 10 a.m. Air Shows will be at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. BMX exhibitions (Dialed Action Performance) will be at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 5 p.m. Final balloon launches will be between 5 & 6 p.m. and the day will end with the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, Team Fastrax night jump, and a Laser Light Show.