Fall begins this coming Sunday, Sept. 22.

The season is characterized by leaves on some trees changing to vibrant colors of red, orange, yellow and brown, while other trees shed their leaves. Fall also brings with it cooler temperatures and the aromas of pumpkin spice, cinnamon and apples filling the air.

Though the days are cooler, fall still offers a variety of outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy from young children to older adults. Some activities include fall festivals, and the Lehigh Valley offers several.

South Whitehall Township is hosting its Sunset to Summer Festival, previously titled Fall Fest, 4-9 p.m. Sept. 28 at Covered Bridge Park, with live music, kids’ entertainment and food trucks.

In downtown Bethlehem, the Celtic Classic and Highland Games and Festival takes place Sept. 27-29. Celtic artists, Irish dance and more will be featured 4:30-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday.

Also, in Bethlehem, at SteelStacks, Lehigh Valley International Airport will be presenting Oktoberfest Oct. 4-6 and Oct. 11-13. German food, live music and family fun will be offered 5-10 p.m. Fridays, noon-10 p.m. Saturdays and noon-6 p.m. Sundays.

If picking apples, visiting a pumpkin patch to pick the perfect pumpkin, taking a hayride or finding your way through a 4-acre cornfield sounds like fun, Grims Orchard, 9941 Schantz Road, Breinigsville, is offering its fall festival until Nov. 3. The event is open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, with the last admission being 5:30 p.m.

If fall festivals are not your thing, take a walk, jog or bike ride on one of the many trails Lehigh Valley has to offer, such as the Ironton Rail Trail in Whitehall Township, the D&L Trail in North Catasauqua and Wildlands Conservancy South Mountain Preserve in Emmaus to experience the season’s colorful fall foliage.

For those who enjoy staying at home, grocery stores are offering a variety of pumpkin spice or cinnamon apple beverages, as well as breads and desserts to enjoy while sitting in front of a fireplace or spending time with friends or loved ones.

Let’s not forget our furry K-9 friends this fall season.

Upper Macungie Township will have its annual Barktoberfest, a dog-themed fall festival with a costume contest, demonstrations and vendors, set for 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 5 at Grange Park, 360 Grange Road.

However you plan to spend your time this fall season, make it an enjoyable one for you and your loved ones.

Susan Bryant

editorial assistant

Parkland Press

Northwestern Press