I love the Fall season in so many ways and for so many reasons.
This has been a consistent theme for me. From the time I was a kid to early adult age, and to now, October has been one of my favorite times. On a personal note, one of the best things that ever happened to me, happened in October.
I went to Big Cedar Lodge for brunch, and later that day, on Oct. 4, 1992, I met Darla. So, she has been putting up with me for over 31 years, and it also demonstrates that miracles can happen. When I saw Darla that day, I never dreamed that I would be able to get a date with her, but God whispered to me, “Give it a shot.”
As we near the end of October, I got to thinking about how this beautiful month mirrors our lives in so many ways. The sight of October on the calendar is typically a welcome relief after the heat of a long summer. Don’t get me wrong, I love summer, but there is a certain point where I’ve had enough of 90 and 100 degree days.
October provides us with that relief. Just like in life, there are certain times when we need relief, we need rest. October provides that for us in various ways shapes and forms.
As a kid, growing up on our family farm, the fall brought all kinds of fun things for myself, my brother, David; and my cousins, Joe and Burl.
We loved hanging out with my grandfather and picking up walnuts. For some reason, my cousin Holly wasn’t wild about the walnut excursions.
I remember filling up my Uncle Bob’s pickup with walnuts and taking them to Lonnie Yarnall’s for harvesting. We always thought that we were going to be rich with each year’s walnut haul. Even though the riches never came from a monetary standpoint, they definitely came in the way of memories and incredible experiences with my dear family.
The leaves of October are also simply amazing. As they are getting ready to say goodbye, they become even more amazing and vivid. In many ways, this mirrors life.
Fall has more festivities, open houses, festivals and events than you can shake a stick at. I really think this can do so much good for all of us. Now, do I think God or your primary care physician wants you to eat large portions of funnel cakes, barbecued turkey legs, fried alligator on a stick and voluminous amounts of deliciously fried potatoes available at the various fall festivals? No, probably not.
But, I think the sense of community, connection, friendship and thanksgiving that can happen when people gather is something that we can all treasure and value while getting to know those around us, and connecting with others.
Additionally, all of these festivities have a great impact on our local economy. The weekly events from Mighty Mite football games, pickleball tournaments, Chili and Salsa Cook-Off, The Show, and the upcoming Chamber merchants open houses draw thousands of people to our community.
The financial impact spreads all across our community and helps maintain and potentially increase jobs in our community. For example, a study completed by Northern Iowa University demonstrated that expenditures by visitors at fall festivals had a 1.5 multiplier effect on those communities.
For example, a family from Republic attending a Mighty Mite football game in Cassville and spends $100 in town has an actual $150 impact on our economy. This takes into account that the $100 dollar they spent helps employ people in the businesses that served the family.
The recent improvements to the City Park with the new pickleball courts will continue to provide positive impacts for our local economy, not to mention how much fun people are having with the newly popular sport.
The two tournaments that have been hosted lately have brought hundreds of visitors to our town who undoubtedly graced several local businesses while visiting, and more tournaments are on the horizon.
I hope you enjoy the beautiful fall days and events ahead. And, just like the maps on our phones or cars, this time of year can serve as a road map for what is ahead for us. In many ways, the cold and damp days of fall help prepare us for the cold winter days ahead.
And, they also give us the hope that dark days don’t last and before we know it, Spring will be around the corner. Happy Fall, y’all!
Jon Horner is a local community bank president, published author, and motivational speaker. He can be reached at jonhorner77@gmail.com.
