Beachcomber, July 8

It’s wonderful to be back here for the summer and ready to take on the social season! I arrived late Sunday afternoon, unpacked quickly and was off to meet a friend for dinner, all in under an hour’s time. We decided to eat at Jobs Lane Ristorante, as we were both craving their fried calamari.

I was delighted to see Katelyn at the door and surprised to find Will behind the bar. It turns out Suzanne is taking some time off this summer, but I hear she will be back periodically to guest bartend — I will keep you posted. Dinner was delightful and more than enough ,as the portions are very generous. It felt so good to be back here enjoying all that our beloved village has to offer.

Afterward, I headed over to a friend’s house to say hello and to see her wonderful dog, Jack. He’s the most adorable Westie, and I missed seeing him over the winter. My friend has a new addition to her family, as she is currently fostering Emma, another adorable Westie. Emma was not too happy that Jack was getting all my attention and decided to take matters into her own hands, as she jumped into my lap and made sure she got some loving. The two of them are so cute together!

Monday morning, it was up bright and early to take a walk around Lake Agawam. What a delight, smelling all the privet hedges in full bloom. I just love the fragrance and look forward to it each summer. Always grateful for those people who let their hedges bloom before they trim them.

My walk was cut short so I could get ready to watch the parade. I have enjoyed this parade since I was a child and remember fondly the days when steamrollers went down the street and all the kids ran out with a stack of pennies to have them flattened. I think I still have a stack of them in a drawer somewhere…

My journey started at the bottom of Jobs Lane, where I listened to the sounds of the Sag Harbor Community Band playing for everyone’s entertainment. I slowly walked up the street, running into a number of friends all gathering to watch the festivities.

I saw Marion and Phil Piro with their daughter Merritt at the steps of the Southampton Arts Center. Across the street were Florence Meyer with her boys, Cane and Bates, and her mother, Laura Danforth. It’s so nice to see a new generation making memories at the Fourth of July Parade.

I was happy to see that Jay Blount didn’t disappoint, as he had on one of his colorful red, white and blue outfits. Of course, his wife, Kate, was with the kids on Main Street watching the parade with her father, the Reverend Peter Larsen. I was delighted to see newlyweds Haley and Peter Ludlow enjoying their first parade as husband and wife, together with Haley’s mother, Cindy Willis.

I ran into a big portion of the Lynch family, including Mary and her sisters Anne and Jeanne, as well as their children and grandchildren. Saw Jay Diesing, Ana Maria Holme, Liz and Sean Deneny, Sheila Traglio with her son Fulvio and grandson Jasper, Kent Atkins and Jane Rose, Larry Horton, and Susie Wagner and Joe Markovich.

It was wonderful to watch everyone enjoying this incredible Southampton tradition: floats, bands (some with bagpipes), all the fire trucks, as well as the many local organizations, including Rotary, the Freemasons, the Elks and, of course, the Scouts and Little League teams. I was delighted to see the warm reception the spectators gave the veterans as they marched by.

It was great to see Brad Smith driving one of the vintage automobiles, with Jim and Erin Frankenbach, two of the parade judges. I loved the float from the Clamman, with a girl trio singing oldies but goodies.

This parade is a real slice of Americana, and one can’t help but walk away with a true sense of patriotism and pride for our great nation. Watching the men and women in period costumes setting off the cannon is delightful.

Thank you to all those who made the parade possible. Remember that this wonderful event does not come without a big cost. So if you can, please make a donation for next year’s parade — it would be greatly appreciated.

I wound up at Design House on North Main Street, where owners Maria Greenlaw and Suzanne Caldwell hosted their annual get together. Drinks food and good friends gathering to celebrate this wonderful holiday tradition.

Seen: Judy and Jack Hadlock, Bill Baker and Mark Hughes, Tom Edmonds, Sandra Walser, Maribeth and Ellen Welsh, Steven Stolman and Rich Wilkie, Ann and Bill Yawney, and Quinn Pofahl and Jamie Jimenez.

I understand that the weather did not cooperate on Friday evening for the Southampton Fresh Air Home fireworks display. The rain started just as the fireworks went off, hindering the spectacle in the night sky. But the Grucci family managed to make the best of it, giving their all and providing everyone with a wonderful display, which lit up the darkness.

This year’s host committee included Susan and Phil Cocke, Mimi and Andy Crawford, Kirsten Galef, Barbara and Alan Glatt, Nicky and Jamie Grant, Ann Grimm, Cathy and Malcolm Price, Kim White, Christl and Kenny Meszkat, and Michaela and Stephan Keszler. Thank you again to the Ganeks for making this possible this year. I look forward to next season, when we can all gather together to celebrate.

This weekend, the girls from LSC Designs are hosting their annual summer jewelry show on Friday and Saturday. So looking forward to seeing what new items they are offering; Lisa and Kingsley have such a discerning eye — I love their style. Mum’s the word on who is shopping, I promise.

Saturday morning, there is an antiques market at the First Presbyterian Church at the top of Jobs Lane and South Main Street. And Art In The Park is back this year. Sponsored by the Cultural Center, it will be held in Agawam Park on Saturday and Sunday. I am always amazed at the beautiful pieces that I have seen there and bought over the years, never disappointing.

Hope to see you there!