The first week of school is officially in the books and we are so ready for all the fun fall activities! The weather has been perfect for long walks around the lake and there is nothing better than waking up to crisp autumn air.

Here are some events happening in our communities and beyond:

Explore Indigenous History at “Coffee, Tea, and History” with Professor Evan Pritchard  –  September  21 in Cochecton, NY. Mark your calendar for September 21 at 1pm, when the Cochecton Preservation Society hosts the 19th annual “Coffee, Tea, and History” at the Cochecton Train Station (8537 State Route 97). This year’s free event features acclaimed author and Native American historian Professor Evan Pritchard, a descendant of the Mi’kmaq people and expert in Indigenous culture. His talk, “Cochecton’s First People – What Traces Still Remain,” will explore the deep-rooted history of the region’s First Peoples through trails, villages, rivers, and agricultural traditions. Attendees will enjoy a Q&A session, samples of Native American cuisine, and a special tribute to Woody the Bear – now retired and replaced by Makwa the Bear, honoring the ancestral roots of the region. This free educational event offers a rich opportunity to learn about local Indigenous heritage and is proudly supported by a grant from the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway.

Get ready to rewind the clock and dance through the decades at Lakeview Bar in Lake Huntington as they host an epic Retro Dance Party on Saturday, October 4. Featuring the ultimate throwback mix from the ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s, DJ Frankie Kurtz will be spinning your favorite hits all night long. Doors open at 7pm, with the dance floor heating up at 8pm. Entry is just $10, which includes your choice of one free bar special shot or one special drink. This is a 21+ event, so grab your crew, throw on your best retro look, and get ready to groove. For more information, call Chris at 845-932-8131 or 845-932-5061.

Get Ready for an Unforgettable Family Adventure at the Kay Danchak Memorial Youth Outdoor Expo – Sept. 6 in Grahamsville. Families across Sullivan County are invited to the Kay Danchak Memorial Youth Outdoor Expo on Saturday, September 6, from 11am-3pm at the Grahamsville Fairgrounds. Designed for kids aged 5–15 (who must be accompanied by an adult), this free event features a day packed with hands-on activities, educational demonstrations, and outdoor fun including BB gun shooting, fly casting, trapping demos, building bluebird houses, and maple cotton candy. The first 100 children will receive a free registration goody bag, plus complimentary hot dogs, chips, drinks, and ice cream. Sponsored by the Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs of Sullivan County, with support from the Tri-Valley Lions Club and Sullivan County Long Beards, this event is all about connecting youth with the outdoors and building lifelong outdoor skills. Don’t miss out – kids must be present to win prizes!

If you have a local business that would like to be spotlighted in an upcoming column, please get in touch! Please email jenn@jennpowelldesigns.com with any news, events, and happenings. You can also find me online at https://rustic-road.com/.