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The calendar has moved to September, out of the summer months, so there are signs that fall is just around the corner.

The beginning of school a couple of weeks ago was the first clue that summer was pretty much over. Labor Day weekend is considered the unofficial end to the season, a final chance to swim, camp or go to the lake.

Of course, in our warm climate, swimming in the lakes or pools often carries on until late September or early October, but it is kind of a symbolic end to summer.

Another local clue to changes of season is the beginning of high school football and the annual cross town Arkansas High vs. Texas High matchup. This year's edition is Friday night September 2, at Tiger Stadium at Grim Park on the Texas side of town.

While going to an area football game in September can be a warm experience, certainly high school or junior high football makes you think fall. College football begins with Razorback, Longhorn, and Aggie fans eager to make trips to tailgate and enjoy their favorite teams.

Another event that means a change of seasons is the annual Four States Fair & Rodeo that kicks off this year next Friday, September 9, with the downtown parade slated for Saturday morning downtown on September 10 beginning at 10AM. The fair is now in its 72nd year.

Who does not look forward to the fair food, exhibits, games, and rides and of course the barnyard and the Four States Fair Rodeo, along with the Demolition Derby?

Another sign that fall is almost here will be the gradual lowering of temperatures and humidity that begins in September. While average high temperatures early in the month are usually in the lower 90s and lows in the low 70s, that will ease to the mid 80s and low to mid 60s by the end of the month. Welcome relief.

The last fall sign will be the changing of the color of leaves. If the weather conditions are right, the fall leaves can be pretty spectacular around our area particularly up in western Arkansas.

By the way, the Autumnal Equinox, better known as the start of fall, is Thursday September 22. On that day the sun shines pretty much directly on the equator and the length of day and night are equal. After that the nights start to become longer than the daylight hours on our path to the Winter Solstice in December, which is the shortest day as far as daylight is concerned.

But hey, let's not rush things. We have the beautiful days of fall to soon look forward to. It just happens to be my absolute favorite time of the year.

 

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