Nature is in full bloom right now. The end of summer unfolds the bounty of the growing season. Trees have gained height, flowers have bloomed and covered bare spots in the landscape, vegetable beds are spent, birds have multiplied and eaten the abundance of yards, fields, and feeders. We, the human inhabitants, have had many daylight hours to watch and observe our yards and nature. So what's next? Yes, Fall with all the orange, bronze and yellow colors, pumpkins, gourds, bales of straw and best of all the return of festivals during the months of September and October 2019.

September

9/20-9/22 - St. George Festival - Fishers

9/20-9/22 - Fall 4-Wheel Jamboree - Indianapolis

9/21 - Quaker Day Craft & Community Festival - Plainfield

9/21 - Art Squared - Indianapolis

9/21 - Harvest Moon Fall Festival - Bargersville

9/21 - Hopwood's Big Grape Stomp - Zionsville

9/28 - IndyStar Wine and Food Experience - Indianapolis

9/28 - Franklin Fall Festival - Franklin

9/28 - Noblesville Brewfest and Wine Garden - Noblesville

9/28 - Rock the Clock - Greenwood

9/28 - Avon Community Heritage Festival - Avon

9/28-9/29 - New Earth Festival - Atlanta

9/28-9/29 - International Arts Festival - Carmel

October

10/3-10/6 - Riley Festival - Greenfield

10/5 - Potter's Bridge Fall Festival - Noblesville

10/5 - Woofstock - Noblesville

10/5-10/6 - Indiana Renaissance Faire - Noblesville

10/5-10/6 - Beasley's Heartland Apple Festival I - Danville

10/11-10/20 - Parke County Covered Bridge Festival - Rockville

10/12 - Monument Circle Art Fair - Indianapolis

10/12 - GermanFest - Indianapolis

10/12-10/13 - Indy Grilled Cheese Festival - Indianapolis

10/26 - Historic Irvington Halloween Festival - Indianapolis

November

11/2 - Sun King Invitational - Indianapolis

11/16- Start of Christkindlmarkt German Holiday Market - Carmel

It's time for us to take a cue from the season of change. Nature is getting ready for winter. The birds are packing on weight if they migrate south like all of our hummingbirds. You may see these magnificent flyers as late as October 10. If it is a mild fall, it can even be later. (Hummingbirds migrate as the days become shorter not colder.) Stay-at-home birds are claiming their winter birdfeeding territory; fill up your feeders to welcome them to a plentiful winter home. Squirrels are, yes, "squirreling away" their winter stash of nuts as well as chipmunks. Other animals are bulking up and changing to winter colors and coats.

So, join nature and splurge on the harvest of spring and summer. Celebrate autumn and venture out to festivals and outdoor events. Get your fill of mild days and pleasant evenings. Enjoy the stars and full moons. Walk, camp, bike, day trip! Winter is coming and the inside days of our lives will be here sooner than we anticipate!