Fun Facts About Fall
Now that the calendar is turning to September, one word comes to mind: Fall. But what exactly does fall bring for the people of Dallas? We’re going to dive into what makes the fall season so special and what events and activities you can participate in to celebrate this time of year.
Finding Fun in the Fall in Dallas, Texas
How much do you know about the fall season? Fall means different things to different people, not only across the country but in and around Dallas, as well. To some, fall means the arrival of fall colors. To others, it means Halloween and Thanksgiving are right around the corner. But there are also fall traditions that have stood the test of time and appeal to people of all ages.
Halloween
Nothing says fall like Halloween. Jack-o’-lanterns — which are actually rooted in an Irish folktale — are displayed on doorsteps for all to admire. People spend the month of October — or even longer, in some cases — debating whether their costume should be scary, silly or cute. Kids are full of anticipation for trick-or-treating, a Halloween tradition that did not include candy until the 1950s, when candy makers began to promote their goods for the holiday.
Halloween itself dates back 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, reaching the shores of America thanks to Irish immigrants who arrived during the mid-1800s.
Fall Equinox
You’ve no doubt heard of the summer solstice, but not everyone is familiar with the autumnal equinox. Just as there are two solstices each year, there are also two equinoxes. An equinox is the point at which the sun sits directly above the earth’s equator, providing an approximately equal length of day and night across the world. The autumnal equinox marks the official start of the fall season and signals that days will start to get shorter and the nights longer.
So if you are looking to mark on your calendar when you can put your summer clothes in storage and dig into your sweater collection, this year’s autumnal equinox is Wednesday, Sept. 22.
Fall Harvest
You don’t have to be a farmer to know that harvest season is in the fall. Pumpkins, corn, pears and potatoes are among the crops that are ready to be picked when fall rolls around. But the harvest season is also not limited to farmers. Many people who have their own gardens will plan for a fall harvest, waiting for cooler temperatures to begin growing broccoli, cabbage, carrots and other vegetables. Fall gardening can be a rewarding and relaxing activity.
Fall Events and Activities Around Dallas
When the calendar turns to September, every Dallas denizen knows that the Texas State Fair is soon to follow. With the theme, “Howdy, Folks!”, the 2021 Texas State Fair is returning from last year’s hiatus to celebrate what makes the Lone Star State special. Opening on Friday, Sept. 24, and running through Sunday, Oct. 17, the fair invites Texans to Fair Park, where they can expect to be greeted by Big Tex, the iconic statue known around the globe as the world’s tallest cowboy.
If you’re not quite ready to mix and mingle among the crowds of the Texas State Fair, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate fall around Dallas. You can take in the sights at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden as part of the 16th annual Autumn at the Arboretum, which also hosts free seasonal events and activities. Pay a visit to the Dallas Farmers Market Pumpkin Patch to find the perfect canvas for your Jack-o’-Lantern. The City Hall Plaza hosts an annual fall carnival, “Pumpkins on the Plaza,” where you can take advantage of activities and entertainment.
For those who simply like to appreciate the outdoors during the fall, there are a number of parks and trails where you can get your fill of the fall weather and cooler temperatures.
Celebrate Fall in Dallas
As a community that is home to many Dallas area seniors, we could not be more excited to see all of the fall events and activities available in our area. We hope you’ll take the opportunity to get outside and enjoy all of the traditions that make this such a special season. Fall is celebrated differently around the country, but we’re pretty fond of the Dallas way,
If one of the items on your fall to-do list is finding a senior living community in Dallas, let’s talk. Get in touch with us by filling out the form below or calling 214-265-9100.