The first day of autumn in the northern hemisphere this year is Sept. 23. It arrives 2:50 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time.

“This is the moment when the sun crosses the equator, and those of us living in the northern hemisphere will begin to see more darkness than daylight,” according to farmersalmanac.com. “Regardless of whether it has been chilly for weeks or there are still balmy summerlike temperatures, this is the start of astronomical fall. For the next three months, our hours of daylight will continue to grow shorter.”

Now that we reviewed the science behind it, let’s now enjoy the romance of it, brought to you by the one and only Emily Dickinson.

“The morns are meeker than they were,

The nuts are getting brown;

The berry’s cheek is plumper,

The rose is out of town.

The maple wears a gayer scarf,

The field a scarlet gown.

Lest I should be old-fashioned,

I’ll put a trinket on.”

- “III. Nature, XXVIII, Autumn”

I blame the instinct to analyze this poem and discuss it with my fellow peers - this time, The Press readers - on my background as an English education major. Although I graduated from college in 2012, it’s still second nature. But alas, I divert.

Fall has been my favorite season for as long as I can remember. The different colors of the leaves, more comfortable weather, pumpkin-spice everything, the rejuvenating feeling during a season change to pick up a new skill or return to a much-missed hobby - my list could continue.

The temperature is not so hot that I’m wishing it was cooler and not so cold that I’m wishing it was warmer.

I know there are others out there like me who enjoy doing “all things fall.” Below is a list of autumn- and Halloween-themed programs happening throughout the Lehigh Valley in October.

Listen to historian Michael Jesberger present his lecture “The True Story of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow” 6:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 5 at Whitehall Township Public Library, 3700 Mechanicsville Road. Registration is requested.

Bethlehem Area Public Library will host a horror trivia night for adults from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10 - there will be two 30-minute sessions - in the Cohen Room on the first floor of the main library, 11 W. Church St. Free water and snacks will be provided. Grab your friends and see if your team can win a prize! Registration is required.

Are you excited for the eclipses in October? Participate in Lower Macungie Library’s adult program 7-8:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at the library, 3450 Brookside Road.

“Join Blaine Easterwood, NASA partner eclipse ambassador and the director of the education committee from Lehigh Valley Amateur Astronomical Society, as he talks about eclipses and how to safely observe these amazing astronomical phenomena. This program will help you plan your viewing of the upcoming solar eclipses,” the library states.

Registration is required.

Mark your calendar: The eclipses will occur Oct. 14 (partial solar eclipse) and then Oct. 28 (partial lunar eclipse).

Grab your tickets for an autumn basket social to be held 6-8 p.m. Oct. 13 at Northampton Area Public Library, 1615 Laubach Ave.

South Whitehall Township Parks and Recreation and Parkland Community Library have once again joined together to hold the third annual Halloween Spooktacular, set for 5-8 p.m. Oct. 20 at Covered Bridge Park, 2465 Wehr Mill Road, Allentown. There will be a trunk or treat, spooky storytime and a movie. Costumes are encouraged!

Fancy a historical walk in the fall weather? This event is for you. Bob Abbott and Ray Bieak, with Ironton Rail Trail Oversight Commission, will lead participants on a 7-mile walk Oct. 21. Meet 9 a.m. at the red barn at 4041 Chestnut St., Whitehall. Attendees are encouraged to bring water, a camera and binoculars.

“The IRT traverses the sites of the first anthracite-fueled iron company and the first Portland Cement Company in America, both of which contributed to the Industrial Revolution,” the commission states.

The Harvest and Haunts Fall Festival at the George Taylor House, Lehigh and Poplar streets, Catasauqua, will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 28. There will be vendors, crafters and historical tours.

Don’t miss out on these fun and educational events at local libraries and other venues. And you mustn’t forget your trinket.

Stacey Koch

editorial assistant

Whitehall-Coplay Press

Northampton Press

Catasauqua Press