Season Changes Bring Festive Events

In my household, there are three things that mean it's fall. It begins with the Great Forest Park Balloon Glow, is followed up with Frontier Park's Oktoberfest, and is made absolutely official when the haunted houses are opened.

 This year's Balloon Glow was their fortieth anniversary, and is the longest running balloon festival, second only to Albuquerque’s Balloon Fiesta. The proceeds collected go to maintain Forest Park. I've never been disappointed by an event at Forest Park. In particular, the balloon glow was festive, complete with dancing and bagpipes that made my little Celtic heart sing. People crowded together in lawn chairs, on blankets or tarps, children laughing in wagons and babies being tickled. Light up hats, necklaces, swords, bubble guns, kettle corn and hand-dipped corn dogs vied for attention, crowded together, mimicking the large variety of hot air balloons stacked in too close together across Central Hill, and blocking the view of the cloud filled sky.

 We attended Saint Charles Oktoberfest on Sunday, the last day it was open until next year's event. The weather was absolutely perfect. As usual, some of our favorite local vendors were in attendance. The Berry Nutty Farm, Space Art Company, and Schlafly, along with many others. As far as entertainment goes, we particularly enjoyed the Glockenspiel Dancers and the dance groups that joined a German band playing in the main tent. With each new German song, a fresh crop of dancers hit the floor, from the very young, still in diapers, but with the love of music already blooming, to the very experienced, used to the feel and movement of their partner's arms. From the Waltz to the Polka, dancing brought joy to all involved, the viewers or participants.

 Now, however, it is finally October. For those that love Halloween, this is “the most wonderful time of the year.” (Honest to goodness, my brother does sing that song with the first cold snap, through October 31st.) This year, as a family, we are working at a haunted house. It is one that we've been associated with in one way or another since I was two years old – and one that consistently gives back to the community. This year, a portion of the proceeds are going to the Wonderland Camp, a camp for handi-capable kids. The actors are not paid, as the proceeds are being donated, and work simply for the sheer love of scaring people.

 Just imagine. Lost, in one of the two themed corn mazes, or in the woods. You're alone and the only sounds you hear are the beat of your own heart – and the occasional werewolf howl, accompanied by the yip of a coyote. As you stumble through, trying to find your way home, you hear it. A rustle behind you. Or was it to the left? You know you need to keep moving – and suddenly, in front of you, there it is. Your worst nightmare, and it's carrying a bloody chainsaw. This mile-long walk Blood Trail is designed to haunt your dreams, and if it doesn't scare you, you may already be dead.

Well, then. Hello, Fall! This brisk air has me ready to trade in my flip-flops for some "real" shoes, enjoy the color change on the trees, throw on a hoodie and curl up with someone special at a bonfire. Tell me, what are YOUR favorite autumn traditions?

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