October 12, 2011 5:26:57 PM PDT
Hello again!
After attending a beautiful wedding and experiencing a whirlwind of fun in North Carolina, I am settling back in here in northern California, and autumn is certainly in the air! Most grocery stores have pumpkins on display, Halloween candy and decorations have been brought out of their year-long hiding places, and everyone seems to be filled with the spirit of the harvest. I love the fall.
As I drove back into Sunnyvale, scanning radio stations for some decent tunes, there was an announcement for the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival, which will be happening this weekend. Touted as “world-famous”, the festival (which has been running annually since 1971) features live music, arts and crafts, a haunted house, pumpkin carving and of course, food and drink. I plan to attend on Saturday, and I will give a report on my experience. Has anyone ever been to this festival?
This got me thinking about an event that happens every fall in my hometown of Santa Fe, NM. Fiesta de Santa Fe takes place in early September, and is a full weekend of fun, featuring a parade, the burning of Zozobra (look it up- it pre-dates Burning Man by about sixty years), and a theatrical Melodrama, among other festivities. A huge number of people, including city residents, former residents and visitors attend the festivities each year, and all of downtown Santa Fe is buzzing with excitement and activity. The entire plaza is decorated and covered with food booths where attendees can purchase delicacies such as sweet or savory frybread and lemonade. Fiestas is one of my favorite times in Santa Fe. Sadly, I have not been able to attend since 2008, although I have high hopes for 2012.
I am curious now about other annual festivals or events that happen around the country and the world. Does your hometown have a regular event that is either famous or locally beloved? Is there an event you travel to attend as often as you can?
(Photo Source: http://www.miramarevents.com/pumpkinfest/photos.html)
October 17, 2011 2:32:52 PM PDT
What a beautiful site to see all those pumpkins.
I purchased the biggest one I could find today.
It is guarding my front door now.
