Summer's last calls — fairs, beaches, and ice cream

August is the county's loudest month. Fair Saturdays, beach Sundays, and ice cream every night after dinner because the kids are still on vacation. This issue is our last-call list before Labor Day weekend closes the book on summer.

The county fair, decoded

The Rockland County Fair runs through Sunday at the Westchester Fairgrounds (yes, the name is a relic). What we'd actually do:

• Friday night for the demolition derby — it's worth the parking hassle.
• Saturday morning for the 4-H barns before the crowds.
• Sunday afternoon for the pie contest and the local-band stage.

Where to actually swim

Three picks that don't require driving to Long Island.

• Lake Sebago — Harriman State Park. The classic. Pack lunch; the snack bar line is brutal.
• Lake Welch — bigger beach, sandier, better for little kids.
• Rockland Lake — no swimming, but the loop walk at sunset is the best free thing in the county.

Ice cream, ranked (lightly)

• Mt. Ivy Cafe & Catering — the soft-serve twist is the move.
• Bunky's (West Nyack) — old-school window service, cash only, line worth it.
• Yobo (Pearl River) — if you have to pretend it's healthy.

Coming up

September's issue is the back-to-school edition — new classes, clubs taking sign-ups, and the after-school programs filling up fast.