October brings time for community fun

Do you know what I love about Franklin County? Well, it’s a long list, but certainly topping the list is the way our communities make time to come together and celebrate neighborly good times.

October is chock full of those opportunities.

I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling that this is the best time of the year. It’s finally – finally! – starting to cool down a little, and fall fun is in great supply. From Friday night football games to Saturday festivals, it’s so great to see everyone out and about, enjoying this wonderful season.

Although it’s festival season pretty much all year around here, we have two good ones to look forward to in October. The Spirit of Hodges Festival is this Saturday, for starters. I’ve had the pleasure to attend this event multiple years, and it’s always a good time. You’re not going to see the massive crowds we have at the Watermelon Festival – and that’s kind of nice. If you like a low-key event where you can enjoy a little live music, munch some yummy food, let your kids run and play, browse a car show – and support the Hodges Fire and Rescue Departments at the same time – let me tell you, this festival is for you. If you haven’t been before, you owe it to yourself to check out the Spirit of Hodges festival.

There’s just something about being out under the clear blue sky, the sun shining down, live music providing the soundtrack to your day as you visit with folks you know, that makes heave a deep breath of relief and feel alive again. Lucky for us, the Spirit of Hodges Festival isn’t the only opportunity in October to find that peace and contentment again. There’s also Spruce Pine Day.

According to the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, Spruce Pine Day began in 1999 when the local grocer and post master made chicken stew and invited the community. The tradition of togetherness continues with fun for kids along with music and vendors.

I was 9 years old in 1999, and I would have loved this kind of thing even then. Just stroll the streets of charming Spruce Pine, and you’ll be able to soak up the great atmosphere this community has to offer.

Then of course, there’s Halloween.

Maybe it’s not quite time yet to start talking about “the holidays” … but Halloween sort of kicks everything off, don’t you think? I love that our Chamber hosts Trunks of Treats for the community, and I know many other groups and organizations will be marking this spooky holiday of tricks and treats as well – like the Russellville Public Library, which is showing “Hocus Pocus” this Saturday and hosting its annual Zombie Walk next Saturday.

I never get tired of events that beckon our friends and neighbors our of their houses and into the street to celebrate our communities and everything that makes them so wonderful. I hope you’ll take the opportunity to attend one or more of these events, or maybe another fall festival at a local church or school.

Maybe I’ll see you there.