OK, so maybe not so much here in the Desert Southwest, but it is the time of year that my mind begins to focus on and reminisce about my favorite time of year. There is nothing like Fall in a place where it can truly be appreciated and reveled in. The entire autumn experience is simply amazing for me. The leaves begin to change as temperatures start to decline and a crispness fills the air, especially in the evening. It becomes sweatshirt and sweater weather, the perfect time to wrap yourself in something soft, cozy and comforting without yet having to brave the true cold, snow and ice that's sure to follow. The smell of burning leaves is pervasive as neighbors start to gather the fallen leaves into piles and set them ablaze. Wood smoke from fireplaces being used for the first time since last winter mixes in to form the growing ubiquity of familiar scents signalling the end of summer. Towns and villages prepare for festivals and celebrations that epitomize this time of year. County fairs pop up hither and yon with their neon gleaming amusement rides and food stands hocking french fries doused in malt vinegar and salt, lemonades made with whole lemons and shaken to perfection, donuts and funnel cakes frying in hot fat and served coated in cinnamon and powdered sugar still piping hot and oozing with soft pillowy goodness, and those dark and suspicious looking carnies just begging you to lose some of your hard earned money trying to win that stuffed animal trophy. Now tell me, does it get any better than that?
For me, the ultimate event that always signaled Fall had arrived was the Holmes County Antique Festival in Millersburg, Ohio. Growing up this was always a celebration of my birthday since it fell close to, if not actually on the exact date. In fact, the year I was born my delivery into the world took place literally just after the grand parade finished. Saturday evening always included the fireman's parade that included various trucks and rescue vehicles from all over the state slowly moving down Jackson Street, lights and sirens blazing. This event also included the debut of the West Holmes Junior High marching band composed of members getting their first parade experience, most of whom looked forward to reaching high school and being a marching Knight. Many of the fire trucks carried riders hurling candy into the awaiting spectators lining the streets and taking in all of the sights and sounds. I recall, along with Mom and my sister-in-law Karen, getting somewhat emotional and teary eyed hearing the approaching sirens as the trucks crested the top of the hill by the elementary school and started their descent into the center of town. I can only surmise that for some of us it was a very moving experience for whatever reason. Actually, watching parades in general still have that effect on me to this day. Sunday brought the antique car procession around noon showcasing all types of antique and classic vehicles all polished up and driven by their proud owners, and a bit later in the afternoon was the grand parade that included marching bands, beautifully decorated floats, visiting royalty acting as ambassadors from other festivals and events around the state, and equestrian units of all kinds. This was always the greatest weekend for me and I looked forward to it every year with great anticipation.
And, of course, it wouldn't be autumn without the arrival of football season. Whether it's high school, college or professional, football games helped to define this time of year. I remember attending high school games on Friday nights, ritually toting a nice warm blanket to snuggle up under and enjoying the familiar taste of concession stand hot dogs and piping hot cocoa that just couldn't be duplicated. Football games always included enjoying the halftime shows put on by both the home and visiting bands. While some die hard sports fans couldn't be bothered with such ancillary goings on, for me it just wasn't a real football experience without the bands at both pregame and halftime! Saturdays were spent watching all the college games on TV, often while curled up by a nice warm crackling fire in the fireplace. When I was young the networks always used to broadcast the halftime shows as well, giving much deserved recognition and airtime to the bands from both schools. I mean who isn't moved to tears watching the best damn band in the land performing script Ohio? While I still very much enjoy keeping up with college games to this day, I'm afraid the days of being able to see and enjoy the halftime shows is long since a thing of the past. I guess it's more important now to rehash the first half and hear all the talking heads analyze everything to death. If I could change one thing about college football broadcasts today it would be to give those band kids the recognition and admiration they deserve.
Yes, Fall is in the air for sure. I guess it doesn't have the same feel or meaning these days, but it is so nice to be able to relive and think back on those great memories encompassing all the sights, sounds and smells of all that autumn brought with it in my younger years. Recollecting those times and recalling the feelings of warmth and contentment that came along with them provides a great deal of comfort and a bit of nostalgia for me. Perhaps the one doctor was right when he told me that just maybe what I needed was some geographic therapy. Who knows? I suppose it's possible that I just might have the opportunity someday to be in a place that lives up to the wonderful memories and experiences about Fall that I hold so dear and special to me. Until then I must just be grateful for those times and the pleasure they bring to me when I take the time to reflect on them.
No comments:
Post a Comment