August is a transition month.
We go from summer to autumn, students on summer break to heading back to school, longer days of sunlight to shorter days and baseball winding down for the pads of football.
July seems to be a blur at this point and August has been rolling along rather quickly. Today, after months and months of planning, the 36th Annual Pittston Tomato Festival will conclude at 9 p.m.
Sometimes an entire summer can go by and not a lot happens. Other than Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, not much goes on in good old Greater Pittston.
This weekend is jam-packed with activity and, because of my commitment to the paper, I’m sticking around for festival coverage.
This weekend has Indy cars at the Pocono International Raceway and I was so looking forward to getting to the raceway since my last visit was way back in 2014. It’s hard for me to believe that it’s been five years since I’ve been at the track with camera in hand, having a blast.
Seeing childhood sports heroes like A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti made the two-day event special.
My hosts Mike and Lori Gallagher were great in treating me to having access not many get.
Walking with three-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves alone for about 400 yards was extremely cool. While on our stroll in pit lane, we talked about wristwatches and many things, but not about racing.
Some of you may not know the name Helio Castroneves in the world of racing but you may remember him as winner of season five of Dancing with the Stars with partner Julian Hough.
Perhaps next year I’ll get to race weekend.
Another event came up this weekend that I said yes to until I realized I couldn’t make it … a wedding.
The daughter of a longtime friend is getting married and the wedding sounds fabulous. I’m disappointed I can’t be there but work is work.
Speaking of work, I attended the opening ceremony of the 36th annual Tomato Festival and, for the first time since being at the current location, the ceremony was held at a brand new stage on the second tier instead of the bandshell on the first tier.
The new stage is a permanent fixture that will have a cover and support beams for overhead lighting and the stage will have many uses, including hosting a future jazz festival that’s in the works.
Pittston Mayor Mike Lombardo also brought attention to the third tier, complete with a beautiful amphitheater, food vendors and plenty of artwork by many local artists, sculptors and photographers.
The upper level is really an extension of the 2nd Friday Art Walk and, if you enjoy getting out to see local artisans display and sell their wares once a month downtown, you’ll love the upper tier.
With so many chances to see art and music in the city, the mayor may have to create an entertainment director to start utilizing all the venues.
I know there’s been plenty of talk about the new American Theater in the news but, honestly, it’s going to be a while before that vision comes to fruition.
I would love to see a theater of sorts on Main Street capable of holding 250 to 300 patrons to view a movie or watch a concert. Going to a show in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Philadelphia or New York City is nice but it would be great to see a live performance in my backyard.
The opening ceremony of the Tomato Festival was special, not just because of the new stage, but it was festival longtime chair Lori Nocito’s swansong as the event’s top dog. After 22 years, Lori is stepping down from the role she assumed in 1998.
There’s a reason why nearly 50,000 people attend the festival every year. Lori and her gang are responsible for that and more.
Lori’s done a great job for a bit over two decades but, as she said, she feels it’s time to pass the baton and there to pick it up is Mayor Lombardo.
The mayor is always thinking a few steps ahead of everyone else and I’m betting he already has some plans he wants to put into practice for next year.
There’s no way the founders of the festival would recognize the festival today as it has gone from one parking lo to three.
Sunday’s line-up starts at 10:45 a.m. with the Little Miss and Little Mister Tomato Contest where children say the darndest things and parents couldn’t be more proud.
Pittston City Councilman Danny Argo will be entertain from 1 to 2 p.m. followed by The Luongo Brothers from 3 to 5 p.m. Picture Perfect closes out the late afternoon from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
You’ll want to get out to catch Tony’s Wine Cellar Jam Band closing out the festival. I’ve heard these talented artists and they are incredible. The thing is, they are not actually a band … well, not a band that practices together several times a week. Instead, they just get together (if available) once a week to jam and the sound is fantastic.
In a blink of an eye, it’s all over until next year so get out today and see what Pittston is all about. You just might be surprised.
Quote of the week
“More smiling, less worrying. More compassion, less judgment. More blessed, less stressed. More love, less hate.” – Roy T. Bennett, American author
Thought of the week
“The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.” – Nicolas Chamfort, French writer
Bumper sticker
“Death ends life, not a relationship.” – Mitch Albom, American author
