The temperatures are cooling off as summer slowly gives way to fall. With the temperate days and nights come events galore — events meant to take advantage of the natural resources this area boasts.

This week, the Cypress Landing community in Chocowinity puts on a multifaceted fundraiser for the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center in Washington. Starting with the sale of bows to be displayed on homes and businesses throughout the county, followed by Thursday’s Hope and Heroes Walk on the Cypress Landing Golf Course and culminating in Saturday’s “Let’s Tee It Up For a Cure” golf tournament, the series of events raises money to support those afflicted with cancer, their caregivers and more, right here in Beaufort County. Last year, the total donated to the cancer center was $75,686.61.

A celebration of Belhaven’s role in Intracoastal Waterway history also takes place on Saturday. With a clam chowder competition, a Roaring ’20s parade, vendors, classic cars and boats and live music, the town brings together residents and visitors alike to enjoy the spectacular waterfront and the waterway that has brought a constant stream of adventurers to Beaufort County for nearly 100 years.

Skip forward a week, and attention shifts to downtown Washington, where a full schedule of events will take place in an action-packed weekend. Starting with dinner theater and a performance of the comedy “Stay As Dead As You Are,” the weekend continues with Arts of the Pamlico’s Hands On Art Festival throughout the day Saturday, and one of Washington’s signature events, Pickin’ on the Pamlico, a celebration of the river’s bounty with an all-you-can-eat crab and shrimp fest. Add into the mix the waterfront Farmers’ Market, the Pamlico River Quilters’ Guild’s annual quilt show at the Washington Civic Center, a special showing of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” on the Turnage Theatre big screen in honor of actor Gene Wilder, and wrap up events Sunday with a cruise on the Belle of Washington.

For the next two weekends, there’s plenty to do.

There’s also plenty of people doing it. Behind the scenes, each and every one of these events has an army of volunteers who give their time and energy to making this an interesting, creative and fun place to live. Their efforts often go unacknowledged, except, perhaps, for their fellow volunteers. Their work adds vibrancy to the community. It adds life and a little adventure — an excuse to get up and out and to explore what’s right here.

Without the dedication of volunteers, this place would be a little less special.

So go out and enjoy. And thank a volunteer or two.