by Cathy Miller

Warren County was bursting with all kinds of fun this summer. Exhibit A: one weekend in mid-August. Where to start?

On August 11, Warren County Habitat For Humanity Open  Mic took place at the HFH Community Center, 31 Belvidere Avenue in Washington. Co-hosted by Kevin McCann and Steve Kirchuk on the second and fourth Fridays of the month, performances have included all ages, all genres, originals and covers, spoken word, even scenes from a musical. The next Open Mic is August 25, 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Performers are requested to sign in starting at 6:30 for a three-song, 10 to 15 minute slot. (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088297767657)

On August 12, Washington Borough Farmers’ Market and Kids’ Fest transformed Veterans’ Park and the adjacent parking lot. It featured farmers, bakers, a beekeeper, a distillery, and the music of Mingo Lodge and Dan Casula, among other things. The Kids’ Fest was beach-y, with Mermaid Vicky lounging in her pool, reading select stories, and environmentally-friendly with children’s crafts courtesy of Dove Environmental Education. A highlight was the portable, solar-powered Home Spun Merry-Go-Round, conceived, built and decorated by Al Gori. The Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. through September 30. (https://homespunmerrygoround.net/)

After veggie shopping, it was time to catch the 25th Annual Warren County Wiffle Ball Tournament at the Franklin Township Fire Department Fields in Asbury. Although some may consider wiffle ball a child’s game, these adult athletes played to win (and drink beer and eat burgers and have fun) from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 26 teams competed, but The Rookies triumphed. (https://www.wcwbt.com)

On August 13, Steve Kirchuk took the stage for a Sunday Acoustic Brunch. Featuring a musical act accompanied by a great breakfast menu, Asbury Coffee Mill, at 432 Old Main Street in Asbury, hosts live acoustic music most Sundays, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Local artists’ works are featured in an exhibit which rotates every two months. Currently on display through August are paintings by Nancy Steele and Lewis Steele. (http://www.asburycoffeemill.com

Switching gears from arts to trains, the Phillipsburg Railroad Historians held an Open House at 10 Pine Alley in Phillipsburg, behind Noto-Wynkoop Funeral Home. Offering free rides, the world famous Centerville & Southwestern miniature railroad train runs all day. Additionally, their museum includes an eclectic, well-preserved collection of railroad-related items, wagons, and trolleys. Restored (or awaiting restoration) rolling stock sit out on the tracks for close-up viewing. Shaded picnic tables invite visitors to relax, have a snack, while watching and listening for the next in-service train to pass by. (http://www.prrh.org)

Nothing better after a train ride than ice cream and fish watching at Mackey’s Orchard. Located at 284 Route 519, Belvidere, this eight generation family farm boasts fresh produce, a well-stocked bakery, and an ice cream barn with soft ice cream in chocolate, vanilla, or twist, and 42 hard ice cream flavors, along with sugar-free and vegan choices. Depending on the season, scoop up some fruit flavored ice cream (it’s peach-time right now!). Watch for pick-your-own and seasonal items. (https://www.mackeysorchard.com)

The weekend of music ended with much “more” at Five Acres Flea Market at 421 US-46 in White Township. Open Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Five Acres is a dizzying gem, with treasure hunting both inside and out. The Flea Market is always packed with new and returning vendors. Inside the Antique Shop are quality antiques and collectibles, along with general household items, and so much more! On top of all this, refreshments are available too! (https://www.facebook.com/5five.acres/)

Savor all the flavors of Warren County all year long!