Good cake news (finally!) from the South Carolina State Fair

Heavens to Betsy! My sister and I received some marvelous news last week: We won second place at the South Carolina State Fair for our coconut cake. Lynn King gave us the recipe, which had three layers and was -- believe me -- literally covered in coconut. The cake that won first place was caramel. The fair does good work, too: The judges cut the cakes in half; one part is judged, the other is given to food banks and homeless shelters. I'm still on the path to win a first place ribbon, though -- so we have a year to decide on what to bake.

• The weather has been divine. People are flocking to old town to enjoy the peace and quiet. It is a great place to walk around and relax.

• Josh Cooke has a treat for coffee lovers: The Corner Perk is now serving its delicious brew at Walgreens at the corner of Simmonsville Road and U.S. 278.The gourmet coffees will be available from 5 a.m. until midnight. Josh also will be blessing dogs at the Bluffton Dog Park party on Nov. 7 at Oscar Frazier Park.

The Corner Perk is always perking away at their Burnt Church Road locations so stop by and say hello to the man who wears many hats.

• The May River Theatre will stage Noel Coward's "Blithe Spirit" at 8 p.m. Nov. 6; the play will run through Nov. 22. The theatre is located at the Bluffton Town Hall on Bridge Street. Reserved tickets may be purchased by calling 815-5581. Tickets are $20 each.

• The Moss Creek Marines are holding their third annual golf and tennis outing Nov. 12-13. Proceeds from this fun event will help buy items for the Adopt a Combat Unit program for troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. For more information or to make a donation call Bill Mott at 843-837-5066.

• The Bluffton Historical Preservation Society is holding an All Saints Evening Cemetery Cleanup from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Bluffton Cemetery on Highway 46. Bring your own tools. Call 843-757-6293 for information.

• The Church of the Cross on Calhoun Street will hold its annual Christmas bazaar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 21.

This year, the offerings will include wonderful art and handmade crafts for sale. There will also be lots of homemade jams, jellies and baked goods. This bazaar is very popular and items go quickly, so make plans to be in line early for best selections.

Call 843-705-1090 or 843-705-2661 for information.

• The Lowcountry Community Church is sponsoring a clothing connection at its Buckwalter location across from Bluffton High School from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 14. Donations of gently used clothing are being sought. The event makes free clothing available to anyone who might be in need. Toys will not be accepted. For more information, call the church office at 843-836-1101.

Babbie Guscio is the social columnist for The Bluffton Packet. She can be reached at The Store on Calhoun Street.