Fall season replenishes body, soul

I used to think spring was at the top but there’s no doubt fall holds the No. 1 position in my ranking with spring in the runner-up position. There’s just something special about fall that makes it hold a special place for me.

As long as I can remember, I longed for the fall season. Having lived in Georgia all my life, the summers here can be downright brutal. While there’s something to be said for weather hot enough to swim or do any number of activities from a friendly game of baseball to yard work, after a few weeks of stifling heat, this old body has had enough.

Of course, living in the Deep South you can’t count on fall really arriving until October. Even then old man summer has a tendency to rear its ugly head at least a couple more times.

I think we may have put summer behind us now though. The cooler temperatures are starting to be a little more frequent and as I attended an area football game last Friday, I found it to be downright pleasant and comfortable, even in the late afternoon as the day’s temperature continue to be near its high point.

Childhood memories of fall remain as vivid as the leaves which drift down constantly this time of year. Fall carnivals and other school functions seemed to have more meaning at this time of year. I still recall going to my school’s annual Halloween carnival and using the occasion to do crazy things with my friends. Somehow, we didn’t seem to mind being at school as long as actual school work was not involved.

In theory, I should have outgrown those Halloween carnivals as I grew older, but I can remember attending even during my senior year of high school. That was my last one, but I admit to thinking about them each year at this time.

Last week as I attended the an area community celebration, I enjoyed the community spirit shown by the hundreds in attendance. With the calendar reading October, it even had a feel similar to that of a fall festival as visitors made their way from booth to booth taking it all in. As night fell and the lights came on, it seemed to add to the fun.

Halloween and Thanksgiving are two holidays I consider among my favorites. Halloween simply reminds me of a being a kid and while I obviously don’t go treat-or-treating these days, I enjoy the entire Halloween theme you see.

Thanksgiving simply reminds me of family and of family gatherings through the years. I miss those trips to my grandparents on this fall holiday that was always less hectic than Christmas. They were almost a relaxful time as the cooler temperatures had definitely taken hold by late November.

So I welcome fall back with open arms again in 2009. I will enjoy the season every day it is here and not let it go willingly. Winter is my least favorite season and I know it will be here before long.

For now, however, fall is here, both officially and unofficially. The calendar tells us it is officially here while the numerous events which take place this time of year tell us it is unofficially here. Welcome back old friend. Feel free to stay awhile and let us bask in your presence.


Chris Bridges is an editor with Mainstreet Newspapers. E-mail comments about this column to chris@mainstreetnews.com.