All of the Jacksonville Crimsons were sad to see summer break come to an end, but the excitement of the new season fills the autumn air. There is just something about the change of season that one can’t help but love.
Fall is, perhaps, my favorite season. The beautiful reds, oranges, and light browns fill the trees and fall to the ground. The weather is calm and temperature is cool. Squash and pumpkins sit beautifully on every doorstep.
We forget about ice cream cones and our thoughts turn to hot chocolate and s’mores. We ditch the fruit smoothies and replace them with apple cider. We no longer dream of cake, instead we crave pumpkin pie. Candy corn can be found in every house and our mothers’ kitchens smell like pumpkins and spices.
Sports are in full swing in the beautiful fall weather. Every Friday night, the student body endures the crisp breeze to support the football team. The Friday night lights are all anyone is talking about. During the week, everyone is bundled up in blankets and sitting on the cold bleachers, cheering on our talented soccer boys.
We put away our flip-flops, shorts, tank tops, and sun dresses. We then bring out our warm fall clothes. All kinds of boots are being worn: leather boots, Ugg boots, short boots, and furry boots. Soft scarves grace the necks of all the girls. Oversized sweaters can, of course, be found in every trendy store and eventually every closet. And moccasins are everyone’s comfortable go-to shoes.
Fall is filled with friends, family, and other activities around town. Cruise Nite is one of the first events of this wonderful season. Then we welcome the fun-filled month of October with Oktoberfest, which is put on every year by the Rotarians of Jacksonville. Carved pumpkins are the decoration of choice. One simply cannot outgrow the joy of carving a pumpkin.
The stores fill with Disney princess costumes and terrifying masks. For one night out of the year, children dress up as anything they want, trying to fulfill their wildest dreams.
At the end of October, we see young children running from house to house. They are so excited about the candy that fills their paper bags. Of course, everyone loves Halloween candy, not just children under the age of twelve. The ghost and pumpkin-shaped candy can get anyone into the fall spirit. And no one can turn down a haunted house. A good scare is just what everyone wants!
November is a wonderful time to be with loved ones and to be thankful. Thanksgiving is full of good food and good times with family.
Throughout these fall months, we are having fun with friends. We bundle up and spend our nights around bonfires with our closest buddies. Once the leaves have fallen, we rake them into piles and dive right in. Corn mazes and hay rides can be cheap entertainment for the day.
Fall will come and go just as fast as summer did. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this beautiful time of year.