Fairs: Our county already had theirs, and we enjoyed
it with two of our grands this year. However- one past memory of that same fair
came to mind as I smelled the funnel cakes and tripped over the power cords in
the midway. When hubby and I were first dating, I informed him that I loved
carnivals, but the whirly rides, like tea-cups and tilt-a-whirls had never
worked for me. They triggered my motion sickness in quite drastic fashion. “Oh
come on, scaredy cat.” Or something to that effect. Well, I decided there was
only one way to prove it to him. So, with an unfortunate tag along friend, we
boarded a ride that whirled and rose into the air, and went round and round,
and .. . . about halfway through, my supper came up all over them. Point well
taken. He never forced me onto a ride again.
Festivals: Our
hometown has a really fabulous one on the town square. I’ll wager that wherever
you are, you can find one too. Folks with various talents and products set up
booths, and there is always a lot of activity to fill a fall day. One year, I
was in the Ouachita Life booth telling stories every hour on the hour. Hubby
had to find a way to stay busy, so he entered contests. One, in particular
didn’t seem to be getting a lot of entries. So, he bought 5 or 10 chances, and
guaranteed that we would win. As everyone was cleaning up at the end of the
day, we were among a very small crowd listening for the winner to be drawn. He
proudly stepped forward before his name was completely out of the announcer’s
mouth, and we took home a brand new television! That is probably my very
favorite “I told you so.”
Fundraisers:
Because of the usually beautiful weather, many groups schedule events to
attract attention to their causes, and raise some necessary operating capital
in the bargain. A crisp fall morning is the perfect time to don a long-sleeved
t-shirt and sturdy running shoes and walk through the streets of our favorite
nearby big city. Though officially a race, there are very few if any who have
winning on their mind. It’s the camaraderie, the shared concern for others that
keeps us tromping across the bridges and past the tall buildings. Of course,
dancing fire-fighters are a big plus as well. The thought just occurred to me-
I wonder what will happen if the Broadway bridge is out of commission for this
year’s Komen Race for the Cure? Hmmm. Recalculating.
Football: Of
course! We are fans on every level. Oldest son was in a pee-wee league, and we
have great memories of learning the rules and taking some hard knocks, with
little siblings playing and cheering on the sidelines. High school games are
still the thing to do on Friday nights in our neck of the woods, whether
witnessing them in person, or listening to our preacher/play by play man on the
radio. Of course, there are the Razorbacks on Saturday. Even our front door is
in the spirit this year.
Family: The common thread here? Besides the frequently
found fantastic first letters? Autumn
brings back so many good memories. The crispness of the air, the beauty of
God’s creation as it winds down and prepares for a rest. The promise of
sunshine and cool breezes, and campfires: Oh My. I could go on all day. But,
you have places to go, people to see. Turn to the middle of this magazine and
find something fun to do with your own family and friends. I firmly believe God
sent October to renew our faith and lift our spirits. Enjoy!!!
