From my perspective – if you value it at all – the local tourism season seems to have been very good, as we roll into the unofficial end of summer with the arrival of Labor Day Sept. 1. The observation is based on the number of cars and the variety of license plates, the sidewalks, downtown streets, park and piers jammed with people most days, and the aisles at Hannaford being crowded with shoppers.

The weather, except for the rainy weekends to start the season, has been nice, especially this month – though we desperately need rain now.

Three weeks into September (Sept. 22), the calendar says summer will end with the Autumnal Equinox arriving. But the weather seems to be the nicest in the ninth month and the region stays busy with lots of events before the leaves start turning various colors and dropping to the ground.

Arts and Entertainment Editor Lisa Kristoff has been busy filling our online calendar of the events happening next month and beyond. Check out the listing to see what’s in store and what you might want to attend.

Next week is the fourth annual Boothbay Harbor Tuna Challenge and dozens of tuna will be brought into Carousel Marina on Atlantic Avenue during the four days of fishing (Aug. 31, Sept. 1, 3 and 4). It’s quite a spectacle, drawing onlookers who watch the tuna being landed and weighed, and we hope to keep up with reports – or at least do a rundown after the tournament.

Upcoming is the Maine Cornhole Classic fundraiser (Sept. 6) at Boothbay Railway Village Museum, shows at Carousel Music Theater and Boothbay Harbor Opera House, and more.

If you haven’t enjoyed a Hallowell Band concert on the library lawn, an American Legion breakfast, shopped at the Farmers Market on Boothbay Common, or played mini golf at Dolphin Mini Golf, September is a good month to try these venues.

Enjoy your Labor Day and keep your summer fun going before fall.