It's October All Over!

"I'm glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." This quote by L.M. Montgomery, creator of Anne of Green Gables, could be a sentiment expressed by many, judging from all who love Fall. Today is the first of October, which is one of my favorite months, too. Who wouldn't love the cooler weather, blue, blue skies, and beautiful foliage?

Of course, Halloween comes in October, too. As a child, I loved Halloween, but not anymore. The spooky, colorful observance of what was really All Saints' Eve, or All Hallows Eve, was created to honor departed saints. Not that that was the manner kids celebrated, even back then, doing the ghosts and witches thing, and in my dad's generation, acts of mischief. Thus Trick or Treat.

When we lived in New Orleans, we were surprised to find that people observed November 1, All Saints Day, as a religious holiday. Today, October 31 has morphed into a gargantuan commercial opportunity, rivaling Christmas in sales and festivities.

Recently our bright little 5-year-old granddaughter, Maddie, asked her father, "Why did God make Halloween?" He explained that most holidays were made by man, and only the Jewish feasts were God's idea. Her response was, "Well that's not fair to our country!" Being a child, I suppose a feast sounded like a party to her, and she thought she might miss out on something. Parents walk a fine line today in not wishing to deprive their children of fun, yet not wanting to embrace something undesirable or dangerous.

Thankfully, many churches put on fall festivals and fun nights for children that have nothing to do with Trick or Treating, yet keep them safe and off the streets. Some bring goodies in their car trunks and let the kids "Trunk or Treat."

But there is more to October than Halloween at the end of the month! Our town is replete with fairs and festivals throughout the fall. The recent county fair was a hit with our local grandchildren, whose father bought them tickets good for unlimited rides, and of course they took advantage of that! This Saturday is OctoberFest, held on the grounds of the Marland Mansion, and next week is the annual Art Center Flea Market that we like.

I saw something in the paper that I would like to see for myself. An area farmer has planted 70 acres in sunflowers, and according to the article, the fields of beautiful yellow and brown-centered flowers have attracted many admirers and photo buffs. The plants will be harvested after the first freeze for the seeds yielding oil and bird seed. The beauty afforded onlookers is just a bonus! Like the golden leaves of October!