Fall into the Colorful Season of Autumn in the Northern United States
The season most of us remember as the one that announces the start of a new school year is also the most colorful of seasons in the U.S. The calendar months associated with the season of autumn or fall, which is the English word for this season, are September, October and November. September is summer’s final hoorah and in the last days her nights can feel like the approach of fall. The night breezes are kissed with coolness, and those of us in Northern states bring out the light blankets to huddle under, in the wee hours of the morning. As day approaches though we toss off those blankets and don our summer garb with deviance as we beg for just one more, warm day in which to bask in the sun and enjoy the brilliance of golden, sunny daylight. The days are getting shorter as nightfall creeps faster into day and steels away some of our precious light. We know all too well, that the darkness of night will start sooner each day, so we enjoy the sunshine while we can.
FARMERS
American farmers greet autumn with thankful hearts and work-weary hands as they labor to bring in the harvest from their fields. This is the season that bears fruit for their hard work of the spring and summer months. Crops mean cash to farming communities all over the U.S. and help feed the local community as well as to share their abundant produce with non-local markets. Autumn brings not only harvest time but it also brings color to the fields and woods, especially up north. The cooler night temperatures help prepare the trees for winter and bring out the colorful leaves that splash red, yellow and orange among the fields and roadways.
Black River Landing Farmer’s Market
This is another popular place to purchase local produce if you happen to be near Lorain, Ohio. The market is open Saturdays from July through October from 9a to 1p. The market is located right at the Black River Landing. Those who live near or have travelled through Lorain, know where the Black River is, you can’t miss the bridge that opens stright up into the sky. You can call (440) 204-2269 if you would like more information about location orspecifics about the market.
CRAFTS and ACTIVITIES
Children love to frolic among the fallen leaves and squeal with delight as they make piles of them to jump into. The colors of fall make wonderful home decorations for door and table. Pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, decorative seeds and fall flowers and apples are my favorites and they will grace my living room and kitchen tables and adorn my front and side doors with style. Our clothes reflect the changing season and we look forward to wearing rich browns, muted oranges, and rustic reds with perhaps a splash of purple. Color adorns our lawns and splashes our landscape so that we can acknowledge nature in all her splendor. Fall crafts make good use of the deep browns and reds as families make autumn decorations like wreaths out of leaves, seeds and dried flowers. Other fall crafts include scarecrows, and corn stalks stacked against posts and porches. Kids have fun making fall placemats, and turkeys, jack-o-lanterns and Halloween cats, pumpkins and bats. Fall festivals celebrate seasonal crafts, and invite visitors to sample apple cider and pick produce from local fields.
Here is a list of some festivals coming to Ohio this September:
Crestline Harvest – Antique Festival
Takes place in Crestline, Ohio
When: September 14 – 17, 2006
The festival features rides by Otterbacher Shows, various vendors, entertainment on two-stages, queen’s pageant, kids games, volleyball tournament, antique car show, and parade.
Clyde Country Fair
Clyde, Ohio
When: September 15 – 17, 2006
Join in the celebration of this festival’s 19th year. The festival is held in beautiful downtown Clyde the home of Ohio’s largest running street go-kart race.
Fall harvest is a time to celebrate with vegetables and fruits that can bring not only color but also flavor to your table. Apples are my favorite fall fruit and I love to make homemade apple pie. The smells of fall produce in my home and on my table are very inviting to guests. A trip to the local farmers market will please my eye and my nose. The prices are very reasonable and I love finding something new for the kids to try. Our local market is called Vermillion Farm Market and autumn is the best time of year to buy local produce, so check out the farmers market that may be located near you. Our market has produce not only from the fields but meats, and bakery items too. I love the selection of flowers outside the building. Buying local produce is not only a smart money choice but it supports farmers in your community.
The season of autumn is the time for going back to school, for harvest of fresh fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers and for fun colorful crafts and activities centered on the season of color. Homes are adorned with leaves, pumpkins, fall flowers and ornamental seeds. Homemade goods can be made from local produce like apples, pumpkins and corn. Fall brings cool temperatures and the trees while preparing for winter will change from green to reds, oranges and yellow. Mother nature paints the landscape with warm inviting splashes of color that invites us to stop and admire the scene.
