Dear Easton...

You have done it again. 

It was another spectacular night of free music along the river with Grey Sky Turn at the Riverside Amphitheater.  It seemed like no one was aware that there was some other music festival going on up the Lehigh.  Many familiar faces, a few new friends, dogs, children, it was a beautiful crowd. 

You know how to throw a party, Easton.  Porter’s Pub was onsite tapping some Weyerbacher Quebeck.  A very nice touch, indeed.  Now if only we could get a hot dog cart or some nachos...

Grey Sky Turn was a perfect soundtrack for the evening.  This was the first time I heard them.  With rich harmonies, solid songwriting and the Dan DeChellis Trio filling out the rhythm section, I will certainly seek them out in the future.  

The caliber of performers that Easton Mainstreet Initiative has booked for these events is simply impressive.  The Doug Hawk Proposition is playing in the square on Friday, August 26th and THAT is always a good time.

A small crowd of us moved on to Colonial Pizza after the show for some snacks, deep conversation and a few more beverages.  Every restaurant should be required to have outdoor seating in the Summer.  

This morning brought the Farmers Market Sweet Corn Festival.  The corn from Salvaterra’s Garden was so fresh you could eat it raw.  Seriously, it is like candy.  Speaking of sweet, the peaches that fill the tents and tables of Beechwood Orchards and Frecon Farms are not to be missed.  A warning, though. 

Do not think that you can eat these things in silence.  With all the inevitable slurping and moaning, you WILL draw attention to yourself.  Porter's Pub (who by this point appears to be following me all weekend) had their chef Adam Walker preparing some sweet corn dishes.

I could barely shop because every ten feet I ran into a friend and had to catch up.  I am at the market nearly every Saturday and I am friends with most of these people on Facebook.  How can there be anything to “catch up” on?  I know what they had for breakfast, what they watched on TV last night and their high score on Scrabble.  But, I soldiered on and bought my yoghurt and milk from Hail’s (so glad they are back from vacation).

Sunny, the Market Mascot was in her glory signing autographs for her fans and dancing to the bluegrass tunes of Last Small Town before heading back to her stall for a well deserved nap, and maybe some of that sweet corn.

Thanks, Easton.  You provided the perfect backdrop for yet another fine weekend.

Your pal,

Carter