Waiting by the hostess stand at the Higgins Beach Inn last weekend, as our table was prepared for breakfast, a guest inquired, “What’s with this weather?” To which the hostess replied, “Oh, not to worry, it will pass.”

Sitting down, I was quite sure that she was right. A cool fog was in the air, and it was still early. But as it turned out, the fog was locked in all day. It felt more like August. Still, during the day I puttered about and got a lot done. At least it isn’t raining, I thought.

I was rushing to get all my chores done around the house because the following weekend I would be totally committed to Scarborough’s 350th celebration. As the weekend came to an end, my husband said he had heard the long-range weather forecast, and it didn’t look good. A hurricane down south would be making its way north during the week. Generally, I’m not one to pay attention to long-range forecasts, but this particular one disturbed me a bit.

You see, the 350th celebration is a big deal. Planning has been ongoing for three years, because few towns can boast being in existence for 350 years. The town’s birthday is actually on July 14. So in an effort to celebrate on the actual date, a decision was made to move Scarborough’s SummerFest from August to July for this year. Many thought this was a great idea, because throughout the SummerFest history, the weather in August has created some very memorable festivals – cool temperatures, high winds and intense rain and thunderstorms, name just a few of the experiences.

At last year’s SummerFest, looking at the 350th committee tent – a green easy-up with custom-made blue sides to match the 350th logo, special lighting and a comfortable seating area so that people could see the large excerpts from the “Scarborough at 350” book – I realized what the perfect touch would be. My royal blue, ceramic lamp with a white shade would look great and would beckon people to come spend some time at the booth. I rushed home to get the lamp. When I returned, the booth was gone. A strong gust of wind lifted the booth over the fence, and it landed upside down in the middle of Route 114. A back-up booth was already in the works by the time I returned. Seasoned festival workers know that this is all part of SumerFest history – volunteers working together, sharing plenty of laughs. The booth and the festival always carry on.

So, pondering the week of impending bad weather, I have a few thoughts. We don’t really want blazing hot and bright sunshine temperatures because then people would have to make a choice: beach or festival? Damp and overcast could be good. A little mist in the air makes things cool, and for those on vacation, the huge choice of activities, which the celebration will offer, is a true summer bonus. Most activities are free (though tickets are being sold for a lobster bake) and there’s a wide offering.

The Don Campbell Band will kick off the celebration beginning Thursday night at Memorial Park. Friday’s activities include a Celebration Pace at Scarborough Downs, along with tethered hot-air balloon rides, the traditional SummerFest 5K race, lobster bake, a Scarborough High School all-class reunion, a street dance, and movies in the park well into the evening.

Saturday offers a full day of activities beginning at 7 a.m. You won’t want to miss the parade, which begins at 10. Get there early. Large parking lots at Scarborough Downs, Orion Center and Maine Medical Center will have shuttle buses running day and night, so plan on a day full of great activities: Owascoag pow wow, rock-climbing walls and rat race, historic displays, demonstrations, exhibits, face painting, balloon twisting, and all kinds of entertainment, including cloggers, Wavelength band, Back Bay Four barbershop quartet, Dave Rowe Trio, Mac McHale and the Old Time Radio Gang, Castlebay, Centennial Brass Band, Student Band Showcase and Rustic Overtones. Saturday evening will end with fireworks.

Sunday features a sprint triathlon, a farmers market, an ecumenical service, pancake breakfast and then more fun and entertainment – from Civil War encampment to a strolling magician, children’s cultural dance, musical performances and comic Bob Marley. Monday will feature a ceremony commemorating the date of incorporation and the presentation of a time capsule. The Portland Symphony Orchestra Quartet will end the celebration on a great note.

If and when the rain and wind kicks up, head for the tents and hold the posts! Patronize the booths while you’re under cover. The official information booths in the sports complex and at Memorial Park will feature top-quality 350th celebration merchandise – T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, mugs, clocks, totes, scented pillows – to name just a few, purchased and staffed by Nestling Duck, Shirley’s Hallmark and Ace Hardware. Scarborough town employees will also be selling 350th pins, commemorative coins and envelopes for official U.S. Postal Service special 350th celebration stamp cancellation.

Rain or shine, this five-day event is not to be missed. For a full schedule of activities go to: www. Scarborough350.org.