While a part of me secretly hoped that last week’s rains and winds would have caused all my leaves to drop in a convenient pile, I am actually happy to see that there are many leaves still waiting to change into their autumn hue.

While the sharp yellows tingeing the hills are beginning to fade and the night sounds of our entomological friends are quieting because the chill of the early morning air, the sight of migrating birds fills in for me an additional piece of the puzzle as to why I love autumn in the Northwest.

Craft fair

Another sure sign of the harvest season is the return of activities designed to delight your senses, give you reasons to get out of the house and, perhaps, help you prepare for winter.

Like clockwork, the Philomath Frolic and Rodeo Craft Fair returns the first weekend of November with a bounty of exclusive, handcrafted and manufactured products for the holiday gift buyer. If you are not into gifts, you can still buy something to add visual value to your home.

This holiday craft fair is a tradition that benefits not only the artisans, but those who buy and those who will be on the receiving end. It also benefits the community as a portion of the proceeds go toward local nonprofits.

The craft fair will be at Philomath Elementary School, 239 S. 16th St. in Philomath, on Saturday, Nov. 3, and Sunday, Nov. 4. Hours on Saturday are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Door prize drawings and entertainment by local musicians add to the festive atmosphere of this feel-good event that is free to the public.

For additional information about the craft fair, contact Marilyn Schmidt by telephone at 541-929-3133 of by e-mail at marilyns@peak.org.

Deck the halls

It’s only October, but Christmas wreath orders are already being taken by the Kings Valley Charter School Parent Club until Friday.

These wreaths, produced by Kings Valley’s own Sunrise Tree Farm, will benefit the school and dress up your door or wall.

The cost of a 20-inch wreath is is $20, while a 24-inch wreath sells for $23. Swags measuring two feet in length cost $16.

There is still time to contact Mary Ackerman at 929-7516 to place your order. You can call the school at 929-2134 for more details.

Wreaths and swags can be shipped anywhere in the United States for additional cost and will be ready for pickup and your viewing enjoyment on Nov. 19 at the school.

School carnival

This Saturday, King’s Valley Charter School will be holding its Fall Family Carnival.

There will be free games, interesting booths, student artwork and local artisan crafts for sale and performances by local musicians.

This fundraiser for the school begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. The cost is $10 for a family or $3.50 per person.

With the dunk tank, pie throwing contest, gunnysack racing, pumpkin decorating and face painting, this family carnival might just be the ticket to kick off the pre-holiday festivities.

Crowning error

On a side note, kudos to L.S. who caught my gaffe in noting that Queen Alyssa Miller was not coronated at the recent Philomath Frolic and Rodeo coronation. In reality she was crowned, with the end result being that she is the newly coronated queen of the Philomath Frolic and Rodeo. I thank L.S. for this duly noted correction.

What’s your plan?

Finally, given the fires happening in Southern California, I can’t let these waning days of October, Fire Safety Month, pass.

The theme for this year is Do You Have a Plan?

We never want to experience the fear of fleeing a disaster at home.

However, the question remains: What would you do if you had to leave quickly?

Practice makes perfect and the National Fire Protection Association and the Hoskins-Kings Valley Rural Fire Protection District urge you to look around the home, be safe, and know your options should a disaster strike.

The time you spend now might well be the best time you have ever spent should it save your life or the lives of your family members.

And don’t forget to replace your smoke alarm batteries with the upcoming time change on Nov. 4.

Dan Hayes reports on news in the Hoskins-Kings Valley community and can be reached at 929-2356 or travelor54@peak.org.