The 30 mph gusts have swept the humidity out of the area and in its stead, we have clear blue skies and beautiful sunshine, a perfect day for the beach at Hendrick’s Head. The water has been a great temperature, do however be aware that there are still some jellyfish lingering, but that should not be a deterrence to taking the plunge. 

In this column we look ahead, get those calendars at the ready. The Southport Memorial Library will hold a Community Picnic, Wednesday, July 23, the hours are 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Come and enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs and all the trimmings, along with the company of friends and neighbors it should be an enjoyable time.  While there, check out some of the new fiction and non-fiction, or some old favorites. The library has something for everyone and will be holding its Annual Book and Bake sale soon, Thursday, Aug. 7 beginning at 9 a.m. to be exact.  More details will be in next week’s column, but for now imagine the sweet and savory treats that will bedeck the tables, and the upstairs filled with book bargains, and all the proceeds going directly to the library, an event not to be missed.  If you would like to bake to increase the bounty, it would be appreciated. 

On the evening of July 23, the Southport Island Musicfest will hold the second concert of the season.  Featured will be the Classic Rock Orchestra. Prepare yourself for a visit to the decades of music that were so pivotal and poignant while looking over the lawns and out to the water at the Newagen Seaside Inn. The concert begins at 5:30. 

Then look onward toward the weekend, Saturday, July 26 from 3 to 7 p.m. (rain or shine) for the Dogfish Head Brewery’s 30th Anniversary Party at the Southport General Store. Tickets are available on the website and get you a barbecue buffet with house-smoked pulled pork, smoked chicken, or grilled veggie sandwiches, hot dogs, all the fixings plus dessert. You will also receive a special Dogfish Head Southport General Store pint glass, hear live music from Nikki and the Barn Boys, and enjoy time with local vendors: Grain Surfboards, Green Bee Soda, Wonder Valley Olive Oil, and Ebenecook Oysters. Just as a side note of worth, the General Store will be closed on Sunday, the 27th, so you might require other plans for coffee or that breakfast treat. 

As we move into the month of August we can anticipate the Southport Island Association Annual Picnic, to be held Monday Aug. 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. On that evening all Southporters, their families and guests are invited to enjoy this community event. Rain or shine, Emily and MacKenzie Hurd will host this year’s picnic at their home at 30 Cozy Harbor Road on the west side of Southport. Cost for the picnic is $10 per person. Children under the age of 6 are free. Hot dogs, hamburgers, rolls, condiments, water, seltzers and lemonade are provided. Please note this event is BYOB. Any dish you might bring to share would be appreciated:  salads, fruit veggie or starch, baked beans, finger food, desserts, opportunities abound. Parking is limited so please carpool if you can, and bring lawn chair(s) if possible.  For more info and/or to volunteer to help, call or text Janet Duchaine at 860-484-9006.  

That same evening, Monday, Aug. 4, The Friends of the Southport Historical Society will present a talk, exhibit, and refreshments from 18th and 19th century recipes. Exhibit and refreshments will start at 6 p.m., the lecture at 7, at the Southport Town Hall.  Maieke Van Der Steenhoven, Bowdoin College’s librarian for Special Collections and Engagement, will speak on the college’s collection of over 700 American cookbooks, most from the 1700s and 1800s. This collection spans regions, eras, specialty diets, institutional needs, and more, providing unique historical evidence of the development of American social movements and culture.  A museum volunteer has spent the last six months testing recipes from the 18th and 19th centuries, and will have four different dishes to sample.  She has selected and researched items from the Hendricks Hill Museum cookware collection, creating an informative display to accompany the talk at the town hall. 

The Hendricks Hill Museum, 419 Hendricks Hill Road, is open 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. It is a perfect way to spend an hour or more in the morning or afternoon learning about the island and how people lived and made a living during the 19th and early 20th centuries. This treasure trove of history and artifacts is run almost entirely by volunteers, if you would be interested in becoming a volunteer and helping with events, being a docent, or helping in another capacity please contact the Museum at: 1-207-633-1102, they would be happy to have you and it is a rewarding place to give of your time. 

Donations are now being accepted for the Fireman’s Auction to be held at the station, Route 27, Southport, Saturday, Aug. 23, you may drop them off at the station, or contact your local firefighter for additional information. 

I hope that you can enjoy the fruits of the Lowbush Blueberry that are all along the roadside, also the Spirea, Queen Anne’s Lace and Black-eye Coneflower that have joined the other wildflower arrays in the open spaces.  Look for the Monarchs that are beginning to emerge, enticed by the milkweed that is robustly blooming and providing them with the sustenance they need.  Until next week, be well and May Peace Be With You All.