Tin Dusters, Folklife Festival, Fall Color Drive, Louisiana Colorfest

The third weekend in October is one I wait for year after year. There is so much going on in the Tri-States. The Early Tin Dusters Fall Color Run in Quincy, the Folklife Festival in Hannibal, the Fall Color Drive in Pike County, and the Louisiana Country Colorfest are just a few of the annual events that take place on the third weekend in October.

Kurt Parsons

Motels have a waiting list for rooms. it is all about colorful trees, colorful green money, cars and shopping. As my friend Mike O'Cheltree in Hannibal says, "It is bigger than the Fourth of July."

And he should know because he has a store in downtown Hannibal called the Native American Trading Co. He says Folklife weekend is as big, or bigger, than the Fourth of July in Hannibal, and for some reason shoppers are more motivated to buy during the Folklife Festival. Is it the change of weather, or the bargains?

I look forward to this weekend every year because of the cool weather, the changing of the trees, the food and everyone is in a great mood with the holidays coming. I spend most of my time in Pike County, Illinois at the Fall Color Drive. My mom, my wife and I go shopping and sightseeing. I love all the color, bargains, people and, of course, the food!

The back roads are packed with cars and trucks. Even the station I worked at in Pifftsfield, WBBA, gets in the act by broadcasting from different locations in Pike County, Illinois. It is just amazing how many people come to western Pike County to browse, to stop and have a slice of pumpkin pie, and to shop till you drop in a little town like Nebo, Illinois.

But it seems to go by much too quickly. Then we wait all over again for another chance to watch the leaves turn. And then suddenly, it is winter. Time goes much too soon.

Have a great weekend, whatever you decide to do!