Southampton - The Hamptons carries a long-winded tradition of friends, intimate gatherings and memories that last a lifetime. Fall always rises to the occasion, bringing locals and newcomers together to celebrate the beauty of tradition.

The spices of autumn fill the air. Pumpkins, sweet corn and cider are at your fingertips. As the sailboats anchor at shore, Fashion Week reigns throughout New York City. If you're caught in the moment, remember to make every minute count. This time of year only comes once. Chunky sweaters, bold but delicate prints and ankle boots are a necessity. Watch out New York; Hamptonites speak fashion just as fluently.

Gene Casey of The Lonesharks front and center. (Buckley)

Before you know it, you'll be caught in the whirlwind of events that are jumpstarting a new, yet breath-taking season.

Sag Harbor's annual Harborfest event kept the village buzzing over the weekend. Every year Harborfest kicks off September with a festival that includes games, food and fun-filled activities for families and visitors too. For the first time ever participants could lace up their running shoes and hit the finish line at the 5K race that crossed through the town and into Long Beach. If running isn't your style, there were plenty of other festivities to keep you busy. Businesses set sail to the streets with hopes of drawing crowds through Sag Harbor to celebrate. From a lobster bake and "Great Rubber Ducky" race for a cause to the colorful parade and lively jazz concert, this year's festival had a little something for everyone to savor. People weren't afraid of getting their hands dirty during the clam-chucking contest. The mouth-watering chowder tasting competition knocked the locals off their feet. As always, Harborfest left everyone with a smile.

Leave it to the Ladies Village Improvement Society to host a celebration to remember. Last weekend the LVIS of Sag Harbor and Bridgehampton National Bank hosted the second annual cocktail party and silent auction during Harborfest. The party kicked off at the Breakwater Yacht Club right by the wharf in Sag Harbor. Guests sipped cocktails and were treated to hors d'oeuvres. Proceeds from the event benefit their hanging flower baskets and beautiful gardens that set the breathtaking scenery in the village. Aside from rewarding students with scholarships towards higher education, LVIS to strives to preserve the historic nature of the village and areas within the vicinity.

As you're gearing up for this weekend's round of events, make sure to clear your schedule for Friday night! Peconic Bay Medical Center will be hosting its fifth annual "Benefit in Black and White" at the Westhampton Country Club. Every year the benefit brings together an amazing crowd for a charitable cause that changes lives. The benefit will feature talented DJs from the East End, stellar dining and a silent auction of valuable items. Join Peconic Bay Medical Center this year for a fabulous time and an evening that benefits the hospital's emergency center, which specializes in treating strokes. For information about the event please call the PBMC Foundation at 631-548-6080.

Artist Michael Perez with Kelly Ripa. (Slayback)

Shopaholics Anonymous: New season, new trends. WellNest, an organic paradise located in the heart of Sag Harbor is hosting a trunk show this Saturday. Get ready to shop while giving the environment a pleasant reward. From 12 noon to 5 p.m. join "October Anniversary" designers Alexandra Tavel and Olga Nemcova as they will showcase a trunk show you don't want to miss! The brand uses recyclable materials and donates a portion of profits to Happy Hearts Fund, a non-profit organization that assists children in the aftermath of natural disasters. Don't be afraid to try something new, the fashion speaks for itself.

What has lots of color, can light up a room and doesn't wear out once you put it to good use? Art work, of course. Renowned artist, Michael Perez will be showcasing his fabulous pieces at Copa in Bridgehampton next month. You don't want to miss out on a fabulous opportunity to peruse some beautiful pieces of art from the best of the best! The artist will be hosting an opening night party there in early October.

Music Fanatics: Music heals the soul and the heart as well. Whoever stopped locals from a good old rock and roll session? The weekend rolled in with some lower temperatures than usual, but the Endless Summer Jams concert at LTV Studios turned up the heat. The concert gave back to the community in more ways than one, including a showcase of 20 local bands that can play their hearts out. Hoping the event will turn into an annual concert for families to enjoy in the fall every year, event organizers were more than satisfied with the turnout. Some of the musicians who performed were Winston Irie, Mambo Loco, Dreadbeat Dadz, Project Vibe, The Realm, the Blue Collar Band, Ray Red, Prentiss McNeil from the Drifters and the Jim Turner Band. A portion of the proceeds from the show went directly to the Retreat and the Phoenix House. With such a carnival of performances taking center stage, locals can keep their hopes high for another Summer Jams concert next year!

The fall weather sure hasn't stopped anyone from hitting the beach either. Shelter Island kept the party going with the 22nd annual Beach Blast A-Go Go benefit on Sunday. To put it simply: family fun by day, Woodstock by night. Every year hundreds of people come together, raising money for charities and supporting the music. The World Famous dancers, the Teenie Wahinis showcased their moves, giving the crowd a taste of what it means to go-go dance! As the sun began to set, barbeques sizzled and bonfires illuminated the beach. All of the proceeds from the evening went to the Island Gift of Life Foundation, which helps families with hefty medical bills, health insurance and treatment. This year's performers included the Lonesharks, Ruby Dee and The Snakehandlers, George Gilmore and The Giblets, The Moondogs, The Honeydusters and The Moonlighters. Shelter Island may seem quiet in the fall, but tradition keeps living on.

Welcome the fall with open arms and sure enough, the ocean's cool breeze will sweep you off your feet. Don't be fooled, the Hamptons may seem quiet but the parties are still in full swing.