To quote L.M. Montgomery, author of one of my favorite books, Ann of Green Gables, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” And here in north central Texas, that means that festival season is in full swing.  With a reprise from the heat, blue skies overhead, and a cool breeze in the air, our wacky and wonderful small towns put on their best show-and-tell in celebration of fall.

Today, Cowboy and I had one of our farmtastic adventures away from the farm.  We took a stroll through the Clifton, Texas Fall Fest, and oh my, my how it made us smile.  It was everything that makes a fall festival great, with the perfect dose of Texas tossed in. Here are our top picks for what makes a perfect fall festival.

1. Classic car show – You guessed it.  This is one of Cowboy’s requirements, but it’s super fun to take a step back in time and dream.  There’s nothing like the style of old rides.

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2. Live music – The trio of GypsyBelle put their harmonies to work with toe-tapping favorites and their own originals.  Young and old sat around smiling and clapping. Just plain fun.
   

   The GypsyBelle trio singing sweet harmonies.
3. Corn dogs – Yep, another cowboy fave.  However, I must admit he’s turned this farmgirl into a lover of the corn dog as well.
   

   Corn dog with mustard and sweet tea. Mmmmm … good!
4. Pumpkins and plants – Nothing says fall like displays of pumpkins and gourds.  Carved, painted, decorated, Charlie Brown was right, the pumpkin is simply great.
   

   Nothing says country fall like flowers in a basket on a stage that is a flat bed trailer. God bless small towns.

   

   Pumpkins, pumpkins, and more pumpkins!
5. Beautiful old buildings – As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a sucker for a town square, and  Clifton doesn’t disappoint with their old movie theater, rows of old buildings, and even an old jail that has been turned into the Cell Block Hotel.

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6. Crafts and vendors – Admitedly, Cowboy refers to this as the “arts and crap” portion of any festival, but I love to see what creative ideas people bring.  Today brought tons of cute wood working, jewelry, and even the amazing street artist, Martin Martinez of CosmoUniversalArt.  Folks stayed huddled around Martin all day watching him create his amazing paintings in real-time.  (Even Cowboy was fascinated.)  And to make it totally Tex-ified, the Texas Farm Bureau had their wagon out showing us all why agriculture is critical to our future.
   

   Local vendor selling handmade crosses. A sweet lady showing off her special wares.

   

   Handmade bird houses and rocking horses. Love handmade things!

   

   Get moo-ving and join the Texas Farm Bureau.

   

   Texas Farm Bureau – a reminder of how agriculture is life. They like to say if you eat, you’re involved in agriculture.

Before October escapes us, be sure to check out your the small towns where you live, and let us know your favorites.  We love to support local and small business, and that includes all things that make small towns and home towns great.