It’s hard to believe that today is the last day of the Pittston Tomato Festival. All the planning, all the work done culminates today.
Today you can enjoy the sounds of Danny Argo, Living Cash (tribute to Johnny Cash), Shakin – Eddie Money tribute band and Tony’s Wine Cellar Jam Band, with local musicians playing at Tony’s Wine Cellar on Wednesday evenings.
These artists are not night musicians, they are seasoned professionals and many of them are recording artists.
There will still be plenty of food for everyone for lunch and dinner or as an after-dinner snack.
It seems that adding a children’s carnival on the upper level was a great addition to the festival that took it to another level.
The festival has always been more geared towards adults than children. Most of the time, the kids only came along because mom and dad were going to dinner at the festival.
Oh, there have been bounce houses and a few other attractions for the kids, but nothing like SwikaS Amusements.
There were plenty of rides available for the kids to keep them and their parents happy.
Friday night was packed and felt like the Tomato Festival of old.
covid? Which COVID? You’d never know we even had a pandemic with the crowds returning to their pre-pandemic state.
I saw very few people wearing masks and yes, I saw some. In this state, you have to wonder if they were just being precautionary or if they are coming off of COVID or if they have underlying conditions that warrant wearing a mask. If anything, they were being diligent and that’s all that matters.
I ran into my good friend Dr. Vince Argenio and his wife Amy. Vince was beside himself that his favorite place to eat wasn’t part of the 2022 lineup. He just didn’t know where to eat.
After a few trips around the site, I finally saw Vince lined up at a food stand. I know Amy was happy about that.
It was a who’s who overnight. You always seem to walk 20 feet before bumping into someone you know.
Music is really a big part of the festival and on Friday night I caught The Sperazza Band followed by Sweet Pepper and The Long Hots. Both bands were on fire and the crowd filled the seats to capacity. There were people who brought their own seats to sit on the perimeter of the venue.
The Tomato Festival is the last gasp of summer for students and it’s nice to know that the weather has been warm as we near the end of summer.
The Pittston area will start school before Labor Day, while the Wyoming area opens after the holiday.
Practices for football, tennis, golf, field hockey and other fall sports have begun, which is another signal school, would start right around the corner.
As we wind down the summer, there are a few events to look forward to in the coming months leading up to Thanksgiving and Christmas, and then we start another year all over again.
It’s funny to say it like that, so fast, because that’s how fast the days, weeks and year go by for me.
Another birthday is coming up for me and as much as I love birthdays and celebrating with cake and family, they too come too often.
Of course, my perspective on my birthday has changed over the decades. I no longer look forward to the selfish part of a birthday: the presents. Instead, I think about my mother who gave birth to me on September 12th and what it was like for her.
I was second in line and would eventually be the dreaded middle child and yes, middle child syndrome is real.
I think about my dad and how many jobs he had over the years to keep his house, car and bills.
I reflect on my life with each birthday and how grateful I am for many things in my life, as well as many regrets and mistakes I made along the way.
As we head into September, I’m looking forward to my favorite fall romantic season.
I’m talking about summer, heat and 90 degree days, but there’s something about fall that I love.
When late September moves to early October, the spectacular colors of the landscape are magical.
There’s nothing like the changing of the leaves and you never know when that exact moment of peak colors will arrive, because it changes every year.
After a hot summer, the coolness of the day is welcome and it’s time to break out the sweats and sweaters.
Air conditioning is no longer needed and the furnace will be ready for the winter months.
There’s nothing like enjoying a few bucks off your electric and gas/oil bill for a few short weeks.
The shadows grow longer and I always look forward to an Indian summer, if it ever comes.
I don’t know what winter lies ahead, but for now, are you ready for some football?
Quote of the week
“I don’t understand the negative because if you do that, there’s no progression. There’s no forward movement. You always have to look on the bright side of things, and we’re in control. For example, you have control over the choices you make.” . – Taraji P. Henson
Thought of the week
“You can’t rely on how you look to sustain yourself, what sustains us, what is fundamentally beautiful is compassion; for you and those around you.” – Lupita Nyong’o
Bumper sticker
“Act like what you do makes a difference. IT DOES.” -William James
