It’s that time of the year again; when the air becomes chilly and the leaves turn into an array of reds, oranges and yellows. It’s time to bring out the sweaters and flannels, and get your best pair of boots ready. Fall has begun! I have to say fall is objectively my favorite season. There is something so cozy about this time of the year. Personally, I love wearing oversized sweaters; it’s one of the main things I look forward to. I feel like Meg Ryan in “When Harry Met Sally” when I wear my fall clothes. I encourage everyone to try and channel their inner Meg Ryan this autumn because it makes the season even better.
I love celebrating fall. Over the years I have accumulated a bunch of ways to really embrace this beautiful season. First, I always try to visit a farm. This year I went to a farm in my home state, New Jersey, called Holland Ridge Farms. I picked these beautiful fall flowers, including sunflowers. Fall is the harvest season, so take advantage of that. Apples, pumpkins and sunflowers are just a few of the crops that are usually harvested during this time. Speaking of apples and pumpkins, they are the typical fall food of choice. Over the years I have tried so many treats that have apples or pumpkins in them. I always like to bake something with one of these ingredients every year. This past weekend I baked these delicious pumpkin whoopie pies. They tasted like fall.
I also love taking fall walks and just marveling at the beauty of autumnal nature. The leaves are only this color for a short time of the year, so go take a walk! The weather is also still warm enough to be outside, so enjoy some fall outdoor activities. Start up a little football game with family and friends. If you’re not into sports, choose a good book and find a cozy outdoor spot and just read. If you’re not outdoorsy at all, there are plenty of indoor activities to take part in. Light a fire in the fireplace, and settle down for a movie or TV night. Some of my favorite fall movies and TV shows include “Hocus Pocus,” “Knives Out,” “Twilight” and “Gilmore Girls.” Speaking of “Gilmore Girls,” (which side note, I’m still on the first season) it takes place in a small Connecticut town, similar to Fairfield! Being here on campus sort of reminds me of its close-knit setting.
I feel like since we are a small New England school, we should embrace autumn. I have been thinking about the perfect way to ring in the season on campus, and I’ve concluded that we need a big fall fest. I was sort of inspired by the fall fest in one of the surrounding towns at home, and also some typical cliche movie festivals. An ideal date would be a weekend in October because it is not too hot and not too cold, which means we can all wear some fall attire. It would take place in the traffic circle. To me, it is the perfect space for an event like this.
It would be important to implement the ideas I’ve stated above into this fest to make it the perfect fall celebration. Food is an important aspect of any festival. I propose we bring some food trucks and set up food booths. I would definitely want to highlight some fall foods, so apple cider and apple donuts are a must. I also think a soup food truck would be a cool idea – I love soup season.
Now I’ve mentioned the farm, but during the fest, we cannot go to the farm. I propose we bring the farm to us. There would be a section filled with pumpkin picking, mums and sunflowers and even a mini petting zoo. Maybe the petting zoo is a little too much, but I still think it would be a cute idea. I would love to see some goats as I think they are adorable. Another fun activity to add to the fair would be a little pumpkin painting or carving section. Not everyone gets to paint or carve their pumpkins every year, so this activity would be perfect.
I think small businesses in Fairfield should come and set up booths as well. At the fall fest at home, I bought some adorable pieces of handmade jewelry. There will be something for everyone! At night I think there should be an outdoor movie marathon. It would be perfect for a chilly autumn night. I think fire pits and hot cider and kettle corn stations would be a good addition to this as well. It would be the perfect way to end a day of fall festivities!
I doubt that any of this would happen this year, but maybe one day in the future the university could possibly make this happen. I think it would be fun for the students and the entire community. It’s a great way to celebrate a beautiful time of the year. As for now, I encourage you to take part in various other fall activities this year!
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