Summer is finished although some days seem to deny it. It's fair time in Rutland, with three demolition derbies, rock and country concerts, rides, fair food (yum!), 4-H exhibits, baked goods competitions, maple flavors, cows, horses, chickens, sheep, and more.

New to appear in free shows at the fairgrounds are Chester-based chainsaw carver Barre Pinske (specializing in bears), second-generation swine trainer Les Kimes and his five porcine performers in the Pork Chop Revue, comedy juggler Jason Huneke, balloon sculptor/face painter Ozseeker the Clown, and singer/songwriter/entertainer David Church, who also opens for Charley Pride on Saturday, September 11.

Consult your fair schedule to take in the activities on the south and west sides of the fair, not only the acts on the Sugarhouse Stage but also the exhibit judging, the livestock judging (both 4-H and open class), pony and horse and ox pulling in the pulling arena,

Thursday is Children’s Agricultural Educational Day, when local grade schoolers are bussed to the fair where they may learn about soil erosion and the water table, agricultural history, farm crops, and milk and maple product production.

The Gold Wing Road Riders meet at Denny's in Rutland at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, September 4. If weather permits, a ride follows the meeting. Call Nate Evans, 773-9197, for more info.

Robert Randolph and the Family Band bring funkadelic rock-gospel to The Paramount, Monday, September 6, at 8:00 p.m. The sound is described as "a mix of soulful gospel tones and intense fiery licks." Thanks to Table 24 and Long Trail for sponsoring the theatre's Popular Music Series, and to Awesome Graphics for sponsoring this concert. Call 775-0903 for tickets.

The New England Retreads Motorcycle club rallies around the Comfort Inn in Rutland Wednesday through Saturday, September 8-11; the organization plans multiple guided and self-guided tours of our area.

Join seniors walking the Rattlesnake Cliffs Trail in Leicester (if you're new to Vermont-speak, the most widely accepted pronunciation is "Lester"). To tag along, meet the group at 9:00 a.m. at the Godnick Adult Center on Deer Street. For more info, call 483-2891.

After the recent presentation of Hair! on the Paramount's stage, it is perhaps fitting to see the film Easy Rider appearing on the Big Screen. Showings are 6:30 and 9:00 p.m., Thursday, September 9.

As school doors are opening, some families may have to choose between school clothing and supplies for their children and food for the table. The Rutland Community Cupboard is asking for additional donations to help out. Krey Kellington, president of the Cupboard's board, asks for donations of non-perishables, especially fruit, vegetables, soups, canned meats, cereal and peanut butter that help fill in a week's food needs.

Central Vermont Public Service is taking part in the effort, sponsoring its annual “Fill the Cupboard Challenge” through September 24. CVPS encourages interested groups to pre-register for the challenge, with hopes of generating 20,000 food item donations. Because CVPS donates a quarter per food item for all items donated, 20,000 items brought in would raise an additional $5,000 to help the program in the upcoming year.

"Beautiful weather, good people, outstanding music and programs with lots of kids and families, and outdoor adventurers having a ball" all contributed to the success of this year's Long Trail Festival, Wayne and Kathleen Krevetski reported. Extra thanks go to Rutland’s Hands On Minds On and Rutland Youth Theater, founding supporters Rutland Parks & Recreation Department and Vermont State Fair and Agricultural Society, and a growing number of sponsors.

West Street residents are growing increasingly irritated over the lack of an arrest following an attempted break-in. They say the same man who dropped his backpack when he fled also is responsible for "tagging" downtown commercial properties and burglarizing a local stereo dealer.

The Rev. Matthew Owen recently joined Union Church of Proctor as its interim pastor; the church plans a welcome potluck luncheon for Sunday, September 19.

The state Department of Corrections is attempting to reach out to all Rutland County residents and businesses, to provide Emergency Notifications in the event of a problem at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility, or any natural disaster in which the Local Emergency Planning Committee needs to make the Community aware of special Instructions. The MVRCF's updated community notification system will notify all subscribers of any emergency at the facility by telephone, and use the same system for other community emergencies. For the free service, call Don Nicoll, MVRCF Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, 786-5830.