August 27 –  Hello September! The fall is my favorite time of the year, especially when you wake up in the morning and there is that crisp, refreshing chill in the air. I love the way the leaves start turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, and the scent of autumn seems to be everywhere. Bring on the fall festivals, apple picking, pumpkin spice treats, cozy sweaters, and warm drinks, and of course, the excitement of back-to-school. There’s something magical about this season that just makes you want to slow down and savor every moment.

Here are some events happening in our communities and beyond:

Registration is open for the Live Love Serve 5K in Hortonville on Sunday, October 19 beginning at 9am. Registration is $25 and 4-H Youth Members are $15, Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Hortonville/LiveLoveServe4H5K.

This September, the Delaware Valley Opera Center in Lake Huntington, hosts a compelling lineup of cultural events designed to inspire and entertain. On Saturday, September 13 at 8pm, pianist Kazzrie Jaxen and poet Eric Baylin present “Poetry, Piano, and Playfulness,” an evening of improvisational music and spoken word. Jaxen, known for her deeply expressive jazz style, joins Baylin, a dynamic performer and writer, for an intimate and experimental collaboration that blends humor, narrative, and musicality.

On Saturday, September 20 at 8pm, acclaimed folk artist Joe Crookston returns to the DVO stage. A songwriter, storyteller, and multi-instrumentalist, Crookston has performed across the U.S. and Europe, earning recognition as a Folk Alliance Artist-in-Residence. His concerts are powerful journeys through story-rich songs, textured with violin and looped guitar layers. With four critically acclaimed albums and national radio play, Crookston brings heartfelt Americana to life in a way that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Then, beginning Saturday, September 27 from 11am-1pm, the River Rep Jr. Youth Theatre Workshop launches a 10-week creative program for ages 8 to 18. Designed to nurture young talent, this workshop focuses on improvisation, voice, movement, and collaborative storytelling. Under the guidance of professional teaching artists, participants will build confidence, explore character development, and prepare original scenes for a final showcase in December. Classes continue each Saturday through early winter.

All events take place at the Delaware Valley Opera Center, located at 6692 Rte 52 in Lake Huntington. Whether you’re a music lover, poetry fan, or parent of an aspiring performer, the DVO’s fall calendar offers enriching experiences for the entire community.

If you have a local business that would like to be spotlighted in an upcoming column, please get in touch! Please email jenn@jennpowelldesigns.com with any news, events, and happenings. You can also find me online at https://rustic-road.com/.