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By Cara Beth Lewis

We welcome the fall season each year in September, with the autumnal equinox. In the northern hemisphere, the first day of fall is September 22nd, which is Wednesday. The autumnal equinox is when the sun passes the equator, causing us to see more darkness than daylight in the Northern Hemisphere. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, “At this point, the Earth’s tilt is moving away from its maximum lean toward the Sun; its rays are aiming directly at the equator.”

Since the summer solstice in June, our days have been growing shorter. As you observe the world around you, you will see preparations being made for the shift we will soon experience. Animal coats will become thicker as temperatures begin to drop, certain plants will lose their summer color, and creatures will begin to migrate.

Here are some interesting facts from topfacts.org:

The leaves of trees turn yellow in autumn due to a decrease in chlorophyll content, which gives them a green color. Many people say that yellow and red maple leaves in autumn are amazing (check 16 facts about maple trees).
Wet leaves covering the road every autumn are very slippery. A car braking distance is extended by 5-10 times because of them.
According to statistics, the autumn months have more weddings than the winter, summer, or spring ones.
Psychoanalysts note that in the fall many people have a dulled sense of fear.

As we transition from summer to fall, our activities and daily routines may shift as well. Although summer and fall are different, they are each beautiful in their own way, and they each offer different opportunities.

Here are some ideas to keep you entertained this Fall season:

Carve a pumpkin, of course! Visit a local pumpkin patch to find your perfect pumpkin to carve.
Visit a corn maze. Corn mazes can entertain all ages, and are great for the whole family.
Go to a Fall Festival. In Bladen County, Beast Fest will be on October 29th and 30th.
Go for a hike on a nature trail and enjoy the changing leaves. Bladen County offers various walking and biking trails.
Watch a spooky movie, in the spirit of Halloween. Make a Halloween treat to enjoy while you watch.

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” – F. Scott Fitzgerald