Looking at the weather forecast, Mother Nature might finally be getting the memo that we’re ready for cooler weather. After several brutally hot weeks, we think we can speak for most people and say we’re happy to welcome fall and all of the fun autumn activities.
You’ll find our annual Fall & Festival guide inserted into this edition, which features information about upcoming events in Pickens County, from the Georgia Marble Festival to this weekend’s ArtWalk, as well as Tate Day, Heritage Days, and other newbies in town like Comic Con, Appalachian Oddities Market, and the Fall Flannel concert series. It also includes info about regional events, fall-themed articles about a boiled peanut man in Marble Hill, bears, and camping.
We know firsthand how much time and energy volunteers put into trying to create fun things for people to do. We want to encourage you to pick one or two events/activities this season and give them a shot.
We remember a time not too long ago when people complained about there not being anything going on in town. Now, you can’t throw a rock without hitting a new or established event a local group organized. Just think back over the last few weeks. This month alone there was JeepFest on Labor Day weekend, Autumn Nights Under Hometown Lights and Dancing with the Stars at Perrow Park, a tailgating event at Hensley Plaza, a Fall Flannel concert, Music in Stegall Alley, and last weekend’s Downtown Live.
Unfortunately, the heat has been so intense that it has made some outdoor activities miserable. It put a dent in JeepFest attendance, with locals preferring an indoor space with A/C. Luckily advanced registration from Jeepers was strong and the event was a success — even if the spectators stayed in the shade.
Heat also probably played at least some part in the low attendance at last weekend’s Downtown Live. If an event isn’t successful, there could be a problem with the event itself, or with poor promotion or planning. Still, it could be due to circumstances beyond the organizers’ control, from weather to conflicts with other activities and big games (especially during football season), or even a one-off fluke. Residents have one more chance to attend Downtown Live this year on October 17. This will be the third event at the new Perrow Park location, which should give organizers a better idea of whether the new off-Main-Street spot is affecting attendance.
In addition to having something fun to do locally, events are great opportunities to support our local vendors, from brick-and-mortar businesses who set up a tent or who are in proximity to the event, to stand-alone food trucks, artisans, craftspeople, and others trying to make money in a challenging economy. We’re big on supporting local businesses over chains and these events make it easy.
The leaves haven’t started their autumnal displays of yellows, oranges, and reds yet. Still, as of Tuesday, Sept. 22, fall is officially here, bringing milder weather and leading into the holidays and their cornucopia of activities.
Take a chance on a local event this season and support your community while you and your family have a good time close to home.
