It is early August — summer still by most metrics, yet the creeping signs of autumn’s advance have already been spotted. The sumac on the hills has begun to turn, and if one were to listen to the area’s corporate outlets — Walmart, the dollar stores, et al — it would seem to be almost Halloween.

Soon, students will return to the classroom and the air will cool and crisp.

But first, summer will have one more hurrah — LH JAMS has returned for its 9th year in downtown Lock Haven. The arts fest, which began with a kick-off concert Thursday night and proceeded with a rain-drenched block party on Friday, concludes Saturday with the bulk of the festivities.

Vendors will be open most of the day, with music running through 10:30 p.m., featuring a wide range of musical styles. While jazz may be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of LH JAMS, the festival has expanded its offerings as time has passed, with folk and Southern Gothic both being among those genres represented at this year’s event.

Of course, the 53rd annual Labor Day Regatta is also on the horizon, and there is a strong argument that the Regatta is the true last hurrah of summer. However, the Regatta, which runs from Friday, Aug. 30 through Monday, Sept. 2 this year, occurs after the first day of school on Wednesday, Aug. 28, which is considered by many to be the dividing line.

Everyone has their own signs, portents and rituals for the start of a season. It could be the first robin in the spring, the Memorial Day holiday for summer, the first regular season NFL weekend in the fall or the first snow for winter; or it could be Easter Sunday, a fresh-grilled hamburger, the arrival of pumpkin spice and going shopping for Christmas gifts, to give another set of examples.

Regardless, something that everyone can agree on is that fall is coming — and it is coming quickly, so consider getting out and enjoying what’s left of the summer at Lock Haven’s signature August events!