“All this he saw, for one moment breathless and intense, vivid on the morning sky; and still, as he looked, he lived; and still, as he lived, he wondered.”

~ Kenneth Grahame, “The Wind in the Willows”

Summer nights bring July to stay with juice-laden peaches, sweet watermelons and lush green lawns. One midnight, lightning and thunder far in the distance, River dog and I slip outside after a late movie for a quick before-bed stroll, with a background of velvety charcoal overhead, and feathery silhouettes of trees swaying in night breezes.

It’s moist, pleasant – a mountain night. Sparkles, flashes of fairy lights appear through the woods, glimmering magic in night’s quiet. Catching my breath, all there is to do is stand still, filled with wonder and awe – and gratitude to catch this midnight gift that might have been so easily missed.

I’ve never seen as many fireflies at once. It’s Firefly Night, for the night is filled with hundreds of twinkling stars all around in soft darkness, flashes of lightning in the background. It’s just one of those moments you hold, knowing there IS magic and mystery all around. The smallest of things can bring stars to earth.

Saluda Tailgate Market is open on Fridays from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the city parking lot off Main Street. Local honey, fresh produce, baked goodies, plants, and much more!

The next Mainline Sunday concert at McCreery Park is July 3 from 4-6 p.m., featuring Soul Vision. The Saluda Downtown Foundation launched a series of Sunday afternoon concerts to benefit the “Save Saluda Streetscape” project. Proceeds from donations will contribute to improving Saluda’s streets and sidewalks.

Scoot Pittman kicks off Coon Dog weekend on July 8 with music at the next Top of the Grade concert, at Ella Grace Mintz Stage at McCreery Park, 7-9 p.m.

Saluda’s 53rd Annual Coon Dog Day Festival is July 9, and starts with the Coon Dog Day 5K Race/Fun Walk at 8 a.m. beginning and ending downtown. Our famous Coon Dog Parade starts at 11.

Last Sunday’s Steamy Mug Block Party to raise donations for McCreery Park’s master park plan fund, and to help make the park handicap accessible along with improving the park for families and kids, was a success. As I waited for a plate of barbecue, Amanda Anderson of the Steamy Mug explained to me how she came up with the idea of the fundraiser and wanted to get things rolling. As a young parent with kids, she wants her kids to enjoy the park, along with it being handicap accessible. Watching some of Saluda’s young families at the block party, it felt good to see younger folks take a part in a small town as they bring their kids up here. Young, middle-aged, old: that’s what makes a small town special!

Saluda Welcome Table is every Tuesday. Dinner is served from 5:30 -7 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Saluda United Methodist Church. All are welcome; donations accepted.

Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT) benefits from your donations or time as a volunteer for their many community projects. “Walks in the Woods” are on the first and third Sundays each month. Free swimming lessons are being held at Twin Lakes this summer. Contact SCLT at 828-749-1560 or visit www.saludasclt.org.

Saluda Train Tales are held at Saluda Historic Depot (HistoricSaluda.org) on the third Friday each month, April through October. The depot is open Thursday through Sunday, noon – 4 p.m.

Saluda School may be out for summer vacation, but you can still collect box tops! Collection containers are located in Saluda Library, Saluda Post Office and at the school office.

Social Singles potluck (all singles over 40) begins again in August on the second Thursday of every month at Saluda Center. The next one is August 11 at 6 p.m.

Happy July birthday to Doris Marion, Debi Thomas, Rheta Foster, Nancy Weinhagen, Lisa Obermiller, Kathy Thompson, Bill Jameson, Emily Rose Ford, Jeremy Ford, Mike Cass, Emma Jean McGraw, Nathen Pack, Melissa Justus, Hunter Justus, Alyssa Justus, Tona Justus and Lynn Savage. Please add your Saluda birthday to the list; no ages mentioned unless you’re under 2 or over 100!

Get well wishes go to Peggie Morrison and Ruth Anderson.

Thank you, dear readers for reading this column! It’s always my goal to make you feel like you’re having a front porch visit, enjoying a summer-sweet and slower pace of life in a small town called Saluda. If you have something of note or a birthday to add to the list, feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com or 749-1153. You may also visit my website at bonniebardosart.com or find me on Facebook.