Fig Follow Up and More

Despite the B-Blogger's faux pas of stating the date of Fig Fest as August 5th rather than 25th, Bettertonians from near and far gathered to celebrate what has become the annual fig harvest for this quaint town on the shores of the Chesapeake.  While organizers had stated this event was for Bettertonians and their friends, there were several who had been before and couldn't resist not returning.  From the B-Blogger's perspective it should be an open event so that indeed our Town becomes a "desired destination" rather than a point on a map.  If the Town can manage Betterton Day then we should be capable of doing the same with Fig Fest.  Let's see if this stirs up some comments below, perhaps even from some of the candidates running for City Council seats this October.  For businesses to thrive they need a steady stream of regular and new customers and it is successful local business that will keep our Town in good fiscal state.

However, before leaving the Fig Fest a huge shout out to the organizers, the BCDC volunteers and others who banned together to put up tents, arrange and serve the food and create an amazing event.  See some memories of August 25th below.

Speaking of working together don't forget that October 6th is Betterton's town elections.  While the B-Blogger and others are anxiously awaiting the official announcements of candidates, it is our civic duty to get out and vote!  Remember that Town Council elections are not on our national election day but before it. As one Council member said to me, if residents don't vote then they can't complain.  Those of us who are legal residents of the Jewel need to know what the candidates stand for and what they view as the issues.  You may recall at the last election we had the local League of Women Voters provide a forum for the candidates to present, unfortunately several of those running for seats didn't bother to show up for a variety of reasons.  Our Town's electorate therefore found good reason not to seat them at the Council's table, hopefully this year's candidates will all share their perspectives, proposals and plans if elected, so debate and discussion can once again occur.

As Labor Day Weekend marks the last of the big summer weekends take a moment to relax and enjoy the sights of Fig Fest 2012. 

Move Over Activia

That's right the event of the season for Bettertonians and their families and friends is set to happen on Saturday, August 5th at 4 PM.  Its time for folks to be regular at Betterton's annual Fig Fest. 

Activia may make some feel a bit better but fresh figs off the trees of the Jewel are guaranteed to make your passage easier.  In addition to the health benefit, those in attendance will have an opportunity to taste a multitude of fig recipes from simple appetizers to extraordinary desserts, and lets not forget those main courses too.  After last years young chef's contest, you must be 16 years of age or younger, rumors are percolating through the Jewel's streets and alleys that Doyle DiStephano is gearing up to take first place.

The event will happen at the bluff on the corner of Bayside Boulevard and Park Street.  Participants are all asked to bring at least one fig dish per family and more are certainly welcome.  Because organizers feared attendance to be way over the 500 mark, the events is limited to Betterton residents, full and part-time, and those that they invite.  Each family will be asked for a $5.00 donation to support the BCDC if they wish to cast votes for the winning dishes.  Of course, the BCDC would welcome any additional cash donations as well as matching funds if your workplace supports its employees in that manner.

There is still plenty of time to gather those recipes and cooking needs to assure you have an entry prepared for the 4 PM start.  For more detailed information don't hesitate to contact organizers Coslett and Palma.

Betterton Day Is Approaching

The B-Blogger has recently learned that there is a run on lady's bonnets as the women of our Jewel prepare for the annual parade.  It is going to be tough as the Garden Club marched in the Rock Hall 4th of July parade and their bonnets were alive!  Perhaps we should have our very own BCDC garden committee show their stuff as they strut down Main Street. 

Amanda Collins Clark recently posted this request on the Betterton Facebook page: "We are looking for local floats to enter into the Betterton Day Parade.  Anyone interested should contact 410 - 348-5678 or bettertonday@gmail.com.

Perhaps your creative juices will begin to flow after seeing some of these pictures!

Shout Out for Kippy and the Betterton Clean Up Crew

The good news is that Betterton was blessed with electrical power this weekend despite the scorching temperatures that could have caused a black out.  As residents and friends gathered there was one common theme, "This Town Looks Great Compared to the Weekend Before."  While many homeowners spent the past week cutting down damaged trees, cleaning pools and contacting their insurance companies about major damage to their homes, autos and boats, the Town of Betterton, under Kip Matthew's guidance, was busy clearing branches, tree trunks and other debri that was strewn around our Town's streets and properties.  Please use the comment section to give your personal thanks to our Town's leadership and those that worked both weekend and weekday to get our home's back in order. 

Blustery Winds and Torrential Rain Batter Betterton

It was the last night of June and the first morning of July when out of the Chesapeake rose a loud and thunderous storm with lighting shows that would rival the upcoming July 4th fireworks of surrounding towns and counties. It was exactly a week prior that a similar weather pattern appeared but little did we Bettertonians realize that this week's storm was going to rattle the Jewel with a lot more than booms and downed branches. Earlier in the day, the B-Blogger was bragging about their early and ripe crop of figs, while sharing this bounty with neighbors, only to be surprised the next morning with figs strewn all about. By midnight all of Betterton was dark except for battery operated torches and pathway lights.  It had reached a 100 degrees during the day and the sound of air conditioners was brought to a sudden halt and replaced with that of torrential rain beating roofs and roadways. Many B-Towners were already comfy in their beds when the wrath of the storm was released.  Some less fortunate were in their cars attempting to make it home while branches and limbs came at their windshields like unexpected drone fire. Truly an evening to be remembered by the damage revealed at the dawn's early light. For a more visual tour check out the slides below.