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It's September. The summer concert series for many of our communities are over, school is back in session, the gridiron is active and soon the leaves will begin to fall.
That doesn't mean things are slowing down, though.
There are many activities for our area residents to enjoy just around the corner.
This year, both the Brooke County Fair and the Hancock County Oldtime Fair are being held the same weekend; Sept. 16-18.
There are certainly different looks and feels to these events, with the Hancock County Fair going toward a more traditional slate of activities, such as local craft and food vendors, baking contests, car shows and the "Barnyard Olympics" and Brooke County focusing on demolition derbies, carnival rides, high school mud volleyball and other big attractions.
Between the two, there will definitely be something for everyone to enjoy, and with a full weekend of activities there will be a chance for residents to check out both. The Hancock County Oldtime Fair will be at Tomlinson Run State Park, while the Brooke County Fair will be at Brooke Hills Park.
New Cumberland Riverfest is scheduled for the very next weekend, with two full days of activities on Sept. 24-25.
This year's Riverfest schedule will include many of the event's traditional activities, with a 5K walk and run kicking things off, an art show being featured throughout the weekend, live music, a car show, the New Cumberland Little Miss Pageant and more.
I checked it out for the first time last year and found it to be a nice event if you have a few hours and want to check it out.
There are plans from Hancock County Parks for a new event. Folklore Festival is planned for Oct. 1 at the park grounds on Gas Valley Road near New Manchester. My understanding is it is a day full of entertainment, vendors, activities and more featuring various cryptids and folklore icons.
This should be an interesting day, and I'm hoping to get in touch with the organizers soon to report on more detailed plans.
In a strange bit of coincidence, two other local favorites also have been scheduled for the same weekend in October. The Wellsburg Applefest has been scheduled for Oct. 7-9, while Follansbee's Christmas in the Park will be held Oct. 8-9.
Applefest, of course, celebrates the Grimes Golden Apple originally found in the Wellsburg area, with a weekend full of local vendors and activities featuring fall-themed attractions and apple-filled goodies. The festival is set up around Wellsburg's town square and some of the surrounding streets.
Christmas in thePark gives us an early start to the winter holiday with vendors, Christmas music, a visit from Santa Claus and much more. It is held at Follansbee Park.
Both have been enjoyable activities for years, although typically held on different weekends.
This is just a sampling, of course, as there also will be church events and activities put together by local businesses and civic organizations.
A lot of work goes into putting these fairs and festivals together. Those involved are volunteers, giving of their time in order to organize activities for our residents. I, for one, appreciate that work and am glad to see these events continue. They are a part of our social fabric as we make our way into the autumn season, and I encourage residents and visitors alike to take some time and check each of them out.
There is plenty to do in our Upper Ohio Valley, and much of it is within a short drive and featuring plenty of family friendly fun.
(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter @CHowellWDT)