As the first day of spring drew near, Mother Nature seemed to take delight in playing a trick or two.

Warm days teased and delighted Beaufort County residents, who bemoaned the chillier temperatures that followed.

Most folks were good sports, taking pleasure in spending time either working or playing outdoors as weather permitted, hoping that winter’s snowy days, ice and frigid rains are all in the past.

As temperatures continue to rise, local residents are looking forward to all the glorious activities spring has to offer. There will be boat rides on the river, excursions to area attractions like Goose Creek State Park and Historic Bath Site, picnics and walks in the sunshine. Gardeners will dig into to the soil, planting seeds that will eventually produce a bounty of fresh vegetables and colorful flowers later this year.

And spring in Beaufort County promises to be a busy one for folks looking for outdoor entertainment. Highlights include another season of Music in the Streets in downtown Washington, Gullfest at Beaufort County Community College, car show and farm show in Chocowinity, Bath Fest and the Aurora Fossil Festival, just to name a few.

Enjoy all the pleasantries spring has to offer; all too soon, the hot, humid days of summer will be upon us.

But even then, will anyone really yearn for winter?