Two wonderful events are happening on Aug. 2: the Saranac Lake Porchfest and the Bloomingdale Block Party. Yes. Yes. There are many, many more events around the Adirondacks, but the Bloomingdale Block Party and Porchfest are neighboring activities. Now, I am usually the person who tries to do everything at once. I believe I am a master schedule juggler. I’m sure my family would disagree, but then they should find their own transportation. Another benefit is that both events raise funds for children’s programming.

Saranac Lake Porchfest, in its inaugural year, will take place from noon to 6 p.m. at various locations around the village. It takes a village to put on a new event, and 13 neighbors donating the use of their porches highlights true community spirit.

Porchfest isn’t a new concept. It originated in Ithaca in 2017 as a means to unite music and community. There are now Porchfest events around the country. Porchfest is a volunteer-run free event, showcasing local and regional musical talent. Neighbors donate the use of their porches to musicians, and neighbors and visitors wander to the various venues to listen to the diverse musical talent. Any proceeds will benefit Mountain Melodies music camp of Saranac Lake and Pendragon Theatre’s Camp Pendragon. Check out SaranacLakePorchfest.org for an up-to-date schedule.

In its fifth year, the Bloomingdale Block Party takes place at the Bloomingdale Youth Field, 15 Roosevelt Lane, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Over 50 booths, including carnival games, a corn hole tournament, bounce houses, pull tabs, a beer tent, crafts, baked goods, food trucks and live music from Frankie and The Moonlighters (2 to 4 p.m.) and Bitter Sweeter (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.), the event has activities for all ages. The St. Armand Youth Task Force organizes The Bloomingdale Block Party, which raises funds for improvements to the Bloomingdale Youth Field, playground and skating rink, and to increase local youth programming. Full disclosure: I am a member of the St. Armand Youth Task Force.

Please feel free to join either organization. Volunteers are welcome, necessary and needed. If you think that kids don’t have enough to do or if you find yourself just one step away from shaking your fist and yelling, “Get off my yard,” be part of the solution.

I do wish I could be at two places at the same time. I love listening to all sorts of music, but I am excited (and nervous) to be in charge of the Bloomingdale Go Fish Pond Game. If you come, please visit, but go easy on me. I don’t fish, real or imaginary. Have fun!