The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Officially, spring doesn't start until March 20. But when I find myself humming "Mr. Blue Sky" by the

Electric Light Orchestra every morning, I think it's safe to say spring is on its way.

Spring brings new blooms and, emerging from hiberna­tion, the return of some old favorites.

The newest unique bloom in Dayton is the revamped Fire and Iron brewpub. After years of Skye Book and Brew, com­plete with its own weekly coffee group, the familiar locale has a new twist but the same home-brewed spirit.

The beer is still be made in-house, helping Dayton keep a really incredible variety of locally made products.

I like to imagine the beer at Fire and Iron could quench the flame of any thirst but I generally try not to make any punny assumptions.

Another local team of craftsmen flowering with a slightly new face is Mace Mead Works.

For St. Patrick's Day, Mace will be featuring an Irish stew, working the mead factory back into having a menu.

Taking a note from the longer days, Mace Mead Works will also have longer hours, including new days. Owner Reg­gie Mace said the business will soon be adding Thursdays and Mondays to the list. Hours will be Monday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The new hours will accom­modate a caffeinated kick Mace will be incorporating - a new espresso machine.

But not everything emerging with the longer, sunnier days is all new. The Dayton Chamber of Commerce's annual Brix and Brew festival benefit auction returns at the cusp of spring on Friday, March 15. The event schedule is available on the chamber website and includes a short list, a sneak peek, at the items that will be available for auction.

It'll be easy to keep a sunny outlook with all of the great upcoming events. Plus, it's not quite swimsuit weather yet, so we don't have to feel quite so bad about all of delicious perks that keep our pre-spring events exciting.

If you run out of things to see and do, or ways to enjoy the sun, the local schools have started their spring sports, featur­ing all outdoor events that always make for a perfect excuse to support a local team and enjoy the sunshine.

And don't you know, it's a beautiful new day.