Welcome to September! While the heat of August isn’t far gone from our memories, the promise that fall is just around the corner gives Texans a little bit of hope. The kids are back in school, Friday night lights are turning on, the nights get a bit longer, and we might even see a little temperature dip. September brings some fun days and important memorials leading up to the fall equinox and the long-running Possum Fest to finish out the month.
Start the month humming
The first Saturday of the month is designated as National Hummingbird Day. This year it falls on September 3. Possum Kingdom Lake is home to two types of hummingbirds, the ruby-throated and the black-chinned hummingbird. To observe this day you can spend some time learning more about hummingbirds, start a hummingbird garden, put up a hummingbird feeder or donate to a charity that supports hummingbird conservation.
A day for the workers
Of course, the most observed holiday of September and the only one to get you a day off work is Labor Day. This year, it will be celebrated on Monday, September 5. The purpose of labor day is to recognize America’s labor force and the contributions it has made to the building of the country and its strength and well-being over the years. Today, we often celebrate it over a long weekend with backyard barbeques, parades, picnics and parties. Even though summer will continue a bit longer, Labor Day marks its unofficial end as the last holiday of the season.
This day could be pure fiction
After the activities of Labor Day are over it’s time to observe National Read a Book Day. This holiday happens on September 6 every year. This day is set aside to give readers a guilt-free opportunity to curl up with a good book.
Don’t feel pressured to finish a whole book, just honor the purpose of the day by taking the time to enjoy a good read. Or share in the holiday by reading to someone else. Take a little time to escape the barrage of technology in your daily life and experience the world through a book.
A day to honor and remember
Not all of September’s holidays are a celebration. If you were old enough to remember September 11, 2001, you’ll probably hold that memory for the rest of your life. But Patriot Day isn’t about the events of that day, it’s about commemorating the lives of those who died in the terror attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia and on United Airlines Flight 93. On this day, all American flags are flown at half-staff and Americans are asked to participate in a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. EST (7:46 a.m. CST).
An occasion for optimism
When you wake up Tuesday, September 13, don’t forget your smile because this is Positive Thinking Day. An American entrepreneur created this holiday in 2003. For this observance – just try to have a positive attitude all day, all the time. There are many great books you can read, including Norman Vincent Peale’s “The Power of Positive Thinking.” Studies show that positivity can reduce the risk of heart diseases, help reduce stress, increase a person’s life span and keep them healthy.
A day for recognition
National POW/MIA Recognition Day is September 16. Although it isn’t a federal holiday, it is a national observance. To observe this day, take a quiet moment to remember the sacrifices and service of those who were prisoners of war, and those who are still missing, and their families. The National League of Families POW/MIA flag is flown by military installations to symbolize the remembrance of those who were imprisoned while serving and those who remain missing.
This looks like a day for fall, y’all
The fall equinox might be one of the most anticipated days this month (after Possum Fest, of course.) This astronomical event that will take place on Thursday, September 22, marks the start of autumn (or “fall”) in the Northern Hemisphere. The sun will begin to rise later and the days will become shorter as the night falls earlier. We may not yet see signs of fall, but we can’t help but anticipate fall holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving. Read these seven tips to plan a stress-free Thanksgiving.
At last, the day we’ve all been waiting for
That’s right, we’ve made it to the end and it’s time for the 28th annual Possum Fest BBQ & Chili Cook-Off! Join locals and visitors at the Possum Kingdom Chamber of Commerce for food, games and entertainment on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.
Festivities will kick off at 2 p.m., Friday, September 30, with Cornhole Tournament #1. Bring a partner and your entry fee and get ready to throw bags for a chance to win awards starting at $500. Stay for a silent auction and live music by Tempting Disaster from 8-11 p.m.
Come back at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 1, for Cornhole Tournament #2. The team entry fee is $30 for this round. This is a 50/50 tournament, with half going to the winning team and a half to the Chamber.
Make a few bids at the silent auction from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Check out the food vendors outside until the live auction at 4 p.m. Awards will be presented to the cooks after the live auction and then the benefit and raffle drawing winners will be announced.
Don’t forget to visit the Chamber’s booth in the middle of the cooks’ area for information, t-shirts, raffle tickets and water. You can find more information, rules and entry forms on the Possum Kingdom Chamber of Commerce website.