Enjoy the last few weeks of summer! School schedules have been received, back-to-school shopping has started and organizing numerous sporting, club and event schedules is on the horizon! There is nothing better than a fresh start to a school year.

Here are some events happening in our community and beyond:

The Town of Cochecton is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with a special summer-long series, Cochecton Celebrates America’s 250th: Five Events, One Community, 250 Years of History. The final event will take place on Sunday, August 30, in the Hamlet of Cochecton at the Cochecton Men’s Club Community Hall and Ball Field. The program will explore the history of the hamlet and encourage attendees to bring their own stories, photographs, and memories to share. Organizers have even hinted that the legendary "Uncle Bob" may make a special appearance. All programs are free and open to the public. 

A Dirty Dancing Weekend in the Catskills will take place in Lake Huntington over Labor Day weekend, celebrating the history, music and lasting popularity of the iconic film. The festivities begin Friday, September 4 at 5 p.m. with the dedication of a Borscht Belt historical marker at Sullivan West High School, followed by a big-screen showing of Dirty Dancing at 7:30 p.m. at the Delaware Valley Opera’s Historic Nutshell Music Hall. The celebration continues Sunday, September 6 at 7:30 p.m. with a Dirty Dancing tribute band performing the film’s memorable hits live. Movie tickets are $10, and tribute band tickets are available online or for $25 at the door. 

September brings an exciting lineup of live music to the Arts Nest, with three talented artists taking the stage. On Saturday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m., Kristy Lee will perform, bringing the powerful voice and Southern Gothic style that has earned her praise from Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls, who described Lee’s music as a “tour de force.” On Saturday, September 19 at 7:00 p.m., singer-songwriter Joe Crookston takes the stage. Known for his infectious energy, storytelling and unforgettable live performances, Crookston has toured with Gordon Lightfoot and shared stages with artists including Suzanne Vega, Dar Williams, Judy Collins and John Gorka. Rounding out the month on Saturday, September 26 at 7:00 p.m. is Jessica Willis Fisher, a singer-songwriter and fiddler whose music blends Americana with her traditional Irish and Celtic roots. Fisher has performed on the Grand Ole Opry and America’s Got Talent and released her sophomore album, Blooming, in 2025, with new music celebrating her Celtic roots coming in 2026. Tickets for each performance are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

If you have a local business that would like to be spotlighted in an upcoming column, please get in touch! Please email jenn@jennpowelldesigns.com with any news, events, and happenings. You can also find me online at https://rustic-road.com/