Traditions run deep in the South. If you grew up here, more than likely, your family had fall traditions that filled October days and nights. Growing up in Alabama, fall always began with football weekends and tailgating with friends, followed by hayrides out to the pumpkin patch and bonfires on crisp autumn nights. The culmination of fall fun always ended with creative costumes, church festivals, and bags overflowing with candy and treats.
As traditions go, these fond memories of my childhood naturally made their way into my children’s yearly October fun to-do list. From pumpkin carving to trick-or-treating, we enjoy all things fall in the South. Taking my little pumpkins to pick their perfect pumpkins at the patch was always the first planned fall event. As the kids got older, they couldn’t wait to get on the hayride, visit the petting zoo, and get lost in the corn maze.
In our feature article, Pilgrimage to the Pumpkin Patch, the author has some great ideas on how to make the most out of your pumpkin patch visit this fall. First, make sure you plan ahead by visiting the website and checking hours of operation, cost per person, and what activities are available and included in your day pass. Next, make sure to pack items that will make your pumpkin-picking adventure a great day like sunblock, water bottles, snacks for the kids, sunhats, a picnic blanket, and even a change of clothes for the little ones, just in case. Plan on them getting hot and dirty as they run through the fields and cuddle the farm animals.
Another tradition to consider this time of year is a fun festival with carnival games, prizes, and dress-up fun! This fall, mark your calendars for two exciting church festivals that will be hosted by First Baptist Opelika and Parkway Baptist Church in Auburn. Each fall, they welcome the community to bring the kids for fun, featuring live music, exciting games, food trucks, inflatables, and more! If your kids are looking forward to dressing up as their favorite Disney Jr. character and superhero, then make sure to plan for an evening of trick-or-treating! Opelika will turn the SportPlex Soccer fields into a Children’s Fall Carnival on October 29, featuring various games, bounce houses, food, prizes, and many yummy treats for the kids. Then, on October 31, Downtown Auburn businesses deck out their doors for a fun downtown candy walk. Fill your bag to the brim and enjoy live music and a costume contest.
If you are like me and your kids are growing up way too fast but still enjoy the fall traditions of their childhood, then consider creating a few new traditions. We have always looked forward to dressing up as a family and portraying fun themes each year. This year, Hey Day Market is hosting movie nights on the lawn with a creative spin on Halloween enjoyment. Check out their website for clues to different movie showings each night. Your teens could dress the part for each movie and get into the spooky mood this fall.
With so many fantastic fall traditions to experience with your family each year, it’s hard to pack them all in, but it sure is fun to try! Happy fall y’all!
