It is hard to believe that the month of July is history and we are entering August, the last phase of summer. So, dear friends, enjoy!

The annual Salmon Derby is well underway. The number of fishermen registered has not been recorded as of today; but the number of boats on the water indicate there are many avid fishermen waiting to catch the "big one" for the big prize.

The bands that have been entertaining at the DeTour Marina on Saturday evenings have been well attended and most enjoyed. This Saturday, August 5, the featured band will be Gary and the Boys.

On this Friday, August 4, the women of Sacred Heart Catholic Church will hold a bake sale at Central Savings Bank in DeTour from 8:30 a.m. until all is gone. The women will have a great variety of baked goods, so you will want to be there early for a fine selection.

Don't forget the annual Summer Bazaar at the DeTour Union Presbyterian Church Saturday, August 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The quilt display will feature beautiful antique quilts as well as new designs. Also there will be a bake sale, attic treasures sale, and craft table. Lunch will be available. See you at the bazaar. There are several important

dates to put on your calendar in August. The DeTour Summer Theater Event will be held Thursday, August 17, to Saturday, August 19. This year's musical production is "The Fantasticks." Based on the French literature by Edmund Rostand, it radiates a timeless, sweet romantic story. "The Fantasticks" is the world's longest running musical. This production tells the story of young lovers and their fathers, who try to get them together by pretending to keep them apart.

David Rhinard, the director, also plays a part in "The Fantasticks." Other members of the cast include Karen Hughes. Ms. Hughes gave an unforgettable 2005 performance as Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady" in Cedarville.

Phillip Quinn, a Cedarville native, plays Matt. Dr. Richard Morrison, a well-known Pickford dentist, is cast as the character of Bellomy. Bob Zahara of DeTour is playing the part of The Mute.

Michael Kasper, of Cedarville, will play Mortimer. Dan Harris will play the part of Henry. Dan is from Sault Ste. Marie, but his family roots are in DeTour. Ben Helmke of Colorado was cast in the role of Hucklebee. Also a wonderful musician, he will join other musicians in the "pit," accompanying some of the show's numerous tunes.

"The Fantasticks," sponsored by the EUP Fine Arts Council, will present three evening shows at Sacred Heart Church Hall in DeTour with each performance at 7:30 p.m. The Friday and Saturday events will feature a pre-show cocktail and hors d'oeuvres hour starting at 6 p.m. For tickets, contact River Threads at (906) 2976019.

The first DeTour Passage Fine Art Festival will be held Saturday, August 19, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival will feature the works of local and regional artists. Also featured will be music and theater. Artists are to register that morning at 8 a.m. at the registration booth on Ontario Street near Sune's Food Center. Children will enjoy face art and sidewalk chalk art. Musicians on the agenda so far are Gary VanAlstine, Todd Olmstead, Ashley Nettleton, Michael Newell, and M. Kelley, Lizzie Lehman and Kim Mayward on flute, and Barb Taylor. The Fine Art Festival is free and is sponsored by the EUP Fine Arts Council and the Village of DeTour. For more information, contact Nancy Mordecai at (906) 2975021. What fun this will be for everyone. See you there.

A thought: Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.