When my boys were growing up, there was nothing quite as fun for them as their school’s annual fall festival. It was the perfect time of year for our family and the entire community to come together in celebration of the beautiful autumn weather. They looked forward to playing games of all sorts and winning little prizes. The food and fellowship made each year’s festival even better — especially for me, because I got to see how their classmates grew and changed from year to year.
It was also a moment when time seemed to slow down, offering families like ours a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Plus, a festival for the whole community was a throwback to simpler times, giving us a chance to connect with our kids over the same games and activities that have been played for generations at fall festivals.
But for me, it was the ubiquitous cakewalk that took me straight back to my childhood. The sight and smell of a table laden with home-baked goodies was so comforting, and seeing my boys walk those chalked blocks of numbers that I walked as a child was so special. The funny thing is that neither of my boys ever asked outright for a home-baked dessert. Other than some no-bake chocolate oatmeal cookies, they both would have preferred some ice cream or even a candy bar for a treat. But something about that festival table filled with beautiful cakes, pies, cookies, and brownies just called and spoke to their little hearts in the same way that it had to me as a kid.
So, back then, my little boys would spend ticket after ticket in hopes of winning a baked good. And somehow, our youngest son usually managed to traverse that cakewalk until he won, and when he did, he always chose the biggest cake there. I can laugh about it now, even though I still feel the frustration of carrying those huge double-doozie, chocolate Ding Dong cakes out to the car for safekeeping — and safe eating.
Yep, it has always been the fall festival cakewalk for us! And it will be again this year when my husband and I attend the fall festival at our hometown school this Friday night. Now, our grandkids are really too old to worry over dressing up to play games and win little trinkets, but we will still take our turns at Bingo, Cornhole, Ring Toss, and Bobbing for Donuts (instead of apples.) My husband might even try the Balloon Darts and the Sack Race, while I go check out the Book Fair. I can also guarantee you that both of us will take a turn at the cakewalk. But if we win, I’m choosing some cookies or brownies instead of a giant cake.
What about you?
There are fall festivals taking place this week in schools, churches, and civic centers all across Mississippi. Each event will help promote a sense of community while providing funds for various needs in your local town.
So, browse the websites or Facebook pages of local schools, churches, and community centers to find a festival near you. Then, make an effort to attend, volunteer your time and talents, or donate some prizes to support the fundraising efforts in your area.
You will be glad you did, because it’s guaranteed to be a memory-making night filled with good, wholesome family fun.
And hey … you might even be able to bake and donate a delicious, gigantic, chocolatey Ding Dong cake for the ever-popular cakewalk. I am sure there will be a grateful little boy waiting to take home his delicious prize! But maybe you could also offer to help his mom carry it safely to her car.
