It’s a little bittersweet because the summer seemed to fly by, as it always does. The fall is my favorite season, but in the words of the old man who used to run the quarry swimming hole in Markle always haunt me: “I hate to see a summer go by.” I can see him there, standing behind the counter, with his pipe in his mouth.
Bittersweet is on my mind, because I got a listing call from the first cabin I ever sold, way back in 2002. The owner is regretful about selling, but just feels it’s right. As I look back, I believe I’ve only ever sold one cabin for someone who really wanted to leave. Everyone else has been, “Well, I don’t want to do this, but the kids won’t help and I can’t take care of the place by myself.” Or some such. One nice thing is that we don’t have as many people leaving because they have to be closer to their doctors, cause their doctors – or ones just as good – are either here now, or here couple days a week.
But anyway, it’s that time of year, when the festivals start to gear up for the fall.
The Labor Day Barbecue is Monday in the downtown park, and I urge you to go. I hope they have recovered some from the unfortunate quarrel over moving the pits, which I think bothered a lot of people. It’s ribs, chicken, or pork sandwich, unless something has changed, and while it may not be quite as good as my cue, it’s usually a pretty good feed. Plus, it brings the old boys out, along with a pretty good cross-section of Fannin County folk. I drew the dread office duty, so I’m definitely going.
Speaking of BBQ, there’s a BBQ festival coming up in Ellijay tomorrow. I don’t know much about it, but it seems to be near the WalMart.
And, of course, the Blues & Barbecue Festival is September 16, in the downtown park in Blue Ridge. For my $5, it’s our best event. Although the Trout Fest is giving it a run for the money.