I’m always shocked when, every year, August shows up. For summer lovers, it’s an unwanted guest. It’s the ten-minute warning that summer is coming to an end.

It reminds you that if you haven’t eaten your fill of cherries or grilled enough hotdogs then now might be a good time. If you haven’t sat on a patch of green grass and listened to a band you should find one soon. You’ve still got time to call this summer, but it’s a threshold month, not quite the peak of the season, not yet autumn. It’s the ache before letting go.

It’s also the month of abundance, The tomatoes finally ripen. After all the fuss of staking and pruning and wondering if the vines would ever bear fruit, they arrive — heavy and warm, bursting with juice and sun. Zucchini become comical in their size. Beans hang like ornaments. Peaches bruise just from being touched. Corn is stacked high at farm stands with handwritten signs for pricing. And there’s always a jar for cash, as if trust is still in season too.

The roadsides are no longer lush green but edged in gold — goldenrod, thistle, milkweed, Queen Anne’s lace. Even the weeds seem proud of themselves in August. The hills wear a hazy softness now, a kind of golden filter over the fields and orchards. Everything is full. Even the air.

This is the season of overflowing bowls on countertops. Of porch dinners and night walks and unexpected thunderstorms. Of jars being filled and shelves being lined. Of the land offering its final generosity before the slow, quiet draw inward.

There are some exceptional offerings coming up to round out the last of the season. August 19th, an iconic offering at Chautauqua Institution: a live concert experience that bridges the soul-stirring roots of the Mississippi Delta Blues with the richness of a symphony orchestra. According to a description of the event: “This unique performance, narrated on video by cultural icon Morgan Freeman, takes audiences on a transformative journey through the music, culture and legacy of the Mississippi Delta – the birthplace of the Blues. Through cinematic storytelling, performances by authentic Blues musicians, and symphonic arrangements, audiences will explore the deep cultural roots of the Delta and its lasting impact on global music.”

In the “Let’s do something different” category, on August 9th, head to the Chautauqua Lake Dragon Boat Festival, a high-energy paddling event and community fundraiser supporting the organizations that protect and care for the lake.

Teams of 10 or 20 paddlers will power sleek a 31-foot canoe through a marked course, working together in perfect unison. At the front of each boat, a drummer sets the rhythm, motivating the crew and keeping them in sync.

On land, Lucille Ball Memorial Park will be buzzing with activity — from delicious food trucks to local artisans and craft vendors offering one-of-a-kind handmade goods. It’s a festival for the whole family, celebrating teamwork, tradition, and the beauty of Chautauqua Lake.

Find something special Saturday at the Westfield flea market–a market where anything goes. Filled with vintage, antiques, unique oddities, clothing, jewelry, and cool items waiting to be discovered. Next door is the farmers market bursting with summer’s bounty. You’ll find both under the trees in lovely Moore Park next to the McClurg Museum and the fountain. Saturdays 8 am to 2 pm.

Last year, my husband and I spent an amazing day at Johnson’s Estate Winery. We picked several varieties of grapes on a hunt through the vineyard, then did a wine tasting. Throughout the late summer and fall season, the vineyard offers tours, too. Arrive at 10 am Saturdays to enjoy an intimate, small-group guided tour of the winery and vineyards. Afterwards, take in the Estate’s beautiful scenery while your party shares a charcuterie board with a sparkling mimosa at their gorgeous outdoor tasting area.

I also love the tour offerings from the Fenton Center. Today, meet at 10:30 at the center, and head out to learn about Jamestown’s hidden alleys. Did you know alleys were created to hide the “impolite” realities of the industrial movement during the Victorian era? Jamestown had 5 alleys. I bet there’s some great stories there.

If you’ve never been to a birthday party at a cemetary, here’s your chance! The Fourth Annual Birthday Party for Lucille Ball will take place at her final resting place in the Lake View Cemetery in Jamestown today at 11am. It’s a free event for all Lucy fans. Enjoy singing, surprise entertainment, games, prizes, and cupcakes. The event lasts about one hour.

The online calendar kept by the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau is our region’s best tool. And it boasts about a county filled with such interesting people, events and activities. Head there to discover how to make the most of the last days of the season.

Oh, and eat corn like it’s your job this month.