Autumn events lined up
Published 10:18 pm Thursday, September 24, 2015
It seems fall is the busiest season in Suffolk.
It makes sense. The weather is the perfect temperature for having outdoor events. There’s little threat of severe weather like in the spring and summer (despite the fact there will be plenty of rain this week). The harvest offers a good excuse for everybody (except for farmers, who are too busy actually getting in the harvest) to celebrate. There’s Halloween and Thanksgiving and the beginning of the Christmas season and all kinds of other fun things.
Personally, autumn is my favorite season. I love Halloween and Thanksgiving. I enjoy seeing the leaves change color — that’s the luxury of being an apartment dweller who doesn’t have to rake them up later. I’m a runner who’s trying to get more serious about the sport, so I enjoy the cooler temperatures and lower humidity after a long summer of slogging down the road dripping sweat. Autumn is when a majority of distance running events are held — most studies have come up with an answer of about 50 degrees when they tried to determine the ideal running temperature.
In fact, a 5K run is among the many events set for next Saturday, Oct. 3. It is an annual Suffolk on the Move event.
The run will start at Constant’s Wharf, 100 E. Constance Road, and go 3.1 miles before winding up back at the wharf. There’s also a one-mile walk option.
The run is free, but registration is required by Sept. 30. No awards for finishing time will be given, but door prizes will be. Warm-up begins at 7 a.m., with the run/walk at 7:30. Registration for the race can be accomplished at www.suffolkpartnership.org.
After the 5K comes the Peanut Festival parade through downtown. Then it’s on to the Touch a Truck, Train and More event at 326 N. Main St.
The event will allow kids to get up close and personal with emergency services vehicles, farm equipment, construction equipment and the train caboose that rests at the station permanently. A sandbox with toy trucks is also available for the kids who prefer that over the real things. Tickets are $5 each or four for $15. They can be purchased in advance at the train station or on the day of the event.
Rounding out that Saturday will be the Boys and Girls Club Suffolk Unit’s Oyster Roast at Constant’s Wharf. Island Boy will entertain the crowd, as will a few members of the Boys and Girls Club. Oysters, barbecue and more are on the menu for the event, which supports the Suffolk Unit’s programs and activities. The oyster roast will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 and can be obtained by calling McPhail at 676-1131.