The Summer Gets Shorter and Shorter

by: Bill Liblick

It seems that the summer season keeps getting shorter and shorter. Where has time gone?  Before you know it, it will be Labor Day, and schools will once again be open.

Another season of Bethel Woods will have been concluded, our summer guests will have returned back to their winter habitats, and the political campaigns will get into full swing.

The campaign season will be exciting this year. What we decide in November will set the course in Sullivan County for the next several years. The entire legislature is up, as is the County Clerk, County Judge, Coroner, all of our Town Supervisors, and some council members. If we are lucky we will even get to vote on some changes in our charter. It looks doubtful if we will decide on a County Executive this year, but perhaps we will have the opportunity to mandate a sheriff’s patrol.

Ok – not so fast it is still summer.

There are still a few weeks to go. And, there is still a lot to see and do in Sullivan County.

Each week our great Farmers Markets attracts hundreds of people looking for wonderful special nutritional items. Freshly picked vegetables and fruit along with naturally raised meats and organic poultries are offered for sale, along with other gourmet items.

Why people want to sell their yards and garages while keeping their homes is beyond me, but while they are conducting those sales you will have the opportunity to find that special bargain, antique, or collectable usually found on that yard or garage.

Saturday is the 79^th annual Sullivan County Fireman’s Parade in Liberty. Everyone should attend and say thank you to those dedicated volunteers who continually risk their lives for all of us.

Also this weekend is a carnival for children of all ages at Monticello Raceway. Next weekend don’t forget the 128^th annual Grahamsville Fair. Billed as the “Little World’s Fair,” it is an event that should not be missed. 

The Racino located at Monticello Raceway has become an exciting destination. Besides video gaming and horseracing, terrific entertainment is being offered.

Although winding down, the music festival at Shandelee, the Sullivan County Community College Summer Cultural Program, Forestburgh Theatre, and the Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop are still going strong.

Rockbar, Vino, and Nature have become popular nightspots for our younger generation bringing a part of the New York City club scene here.

For the kids Holiday Mountain is a must.

The Town of Bethel has become a Sullivan County hot spot. Besides housing Bethel Woods, one of our hidden treasures Bradstan’s, offers great cabaret shows on weekends. New restaurants and night spots have opened all over Kauneoga Lake. Just ask Postmaster Steve Burke. Of course all of the movers and shakers in Sullivan County can still be seen at Blanche’s Diner slobbering down their famous pancakes. One has to really wonder how the Town of Bethel could approve a moratorium on development.

Kutsher’s Country Club and the Villa Roma are still alive and kicking. They have wonderful dinner and show packages.

A drive through our county might be more fascinating than you think. View all the magnificent work our dedicated volunteers are doing to spruce up their hamlets thanks to the Sullivan County Renaissance.

Many of our towns and villages are holding special events during the next several weeks featuring entertainment and street fairs.

Let us not forget Lake Superior, Morningside Park, the Delaware Water, and all of our splendid fishing and golf destinations.

Enjoy the rest of the summer.

Email Bill