My Community Traditions

Not all of my favorite fall rituals are at home, they’re the moments shared with other people!

Every year, my town holds a Pumpkin Drop.
The main street shuts down and transforms into something alive: craft booths, artists, food trucks, laughter, music, kids running around, families and friends connecting.
There’s a glowing warmth to it that has nothing to do with temperature.

As the sun sets, everyone gathers around the giant crane placed at the end of the main street.
People chant “Pumpkin Drop! Pumpkin Drop!” while kids and adults bounce with excitement.
When the countdown ends and the pumpkin falls, the whole crowd erupts in shrieks and screams. After the last drop, the local children dart forward, grabbing pieces of slimy, cracked open pumpkin and eat pieces straight off the ground and throw them at each other.
The first time I saw it, I was stunned.
Now it’s one of my favorite parts. This year was our fourth in a row.

My aunty, cousin, a friend, and I got together to see Young Frankenstein: The Musical at our local theater, a reminder of my childhood memories watching the movie with my mom.

October begins a special kind of community energy that continues throughout the holiday season.
It’s lively but safe, cozy but joyful — a reminder that holiday traditions make small towns feel large in spirit and cheer.