Community:

Saluda Tailgate Market continues at West Main Street public parking lot on Fridays, 4:30-6:30 p.m., many Saluda businesses are open later on Friday, so browse the market, enjoy a meal, shopping and music.

The next Top of the Grade Concert with Spencer & The String Ticklers is Sept. 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at McCreery Park. Bring chairs; food available.

Saluda Welcome Table is every Tuesday; dinner from 5:30-7 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Saluda United Methodist Church. All welcome; donations accepted.

Enjoy Walks in the Woods on Sept. 22 with Saluda Community Land Trust: gather at Saluda Library at 2 to carpool. Make plans to support the Oct. 12 Saluda 5k9 race for dogs and their people. Proceeds benefit SCLT; visit saludaclt.org or calling 828-749-1560.

Blue Ridge Contra Dance will be on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 7 p.m. at the Party Place & Event Center.

There’ll be a community potluck and bingo at Saluda Center, Sept. 30, 6 p.m. Bring your favorite dish to share.

Yes, it’s true: there’ll be opera in Saluda soon. On Oct. 10 the University of South Carolina’s music department and Historic Thompson’s Store will bring a magical evening opera/dinner to the Back Alley Deck and Boarding House Venue. Contact Judy Ward at Thompson’s Store 828-749-2321 for more information and reservations.

Help Saluda School by donating box tops at the library, post office or school office.

Happy 42nd anniversary to Fred and Terry Baisden.

Happy September Birthday to Dale McEntire, Joni Rauschenbach, Sonya Monts, Linda Kaye Hayes, Carol Kenfield, Debbie Fisher, Leslie Jespersen, Linda Mintz, Sheila Billeter, Cary Pace, Ross Arrington, Hop Foster, Chuck Hearon, Alexia Timberlake and  Clark Thompson.

Thank you, dear readers for reading this column. It’s my goal to make you feel as if you were enjoying a visit on the porch swing on a golden September afternoon. Please feel free to contact me at bbardos@gmail.com; or 828-749-1153. You may also visit my website at bonniebardos.com for more writing and art, or find me on facebook.