Photo caption: Artistic displays light the way through the gardens of Newfields, Indianapolis' art museum. Photo Credits: Lisa Tussey Yoder
Fog rises from the ground, engulfing the small group huddled together on the wooden platform overlooking the gully below. The sound of an approaching train is faint at first and rapidly gets louder. Peering into the ravine for the train, we are suddenly blinded by the bright light of the engine as the planks below our feet begin to rattle. The sound is so loud that it vibrates through one’s entire body. We realize the train is headed straight for us, but we never see it – just its light barreling toward us as the whistle shrieks in warning.
A child squeals. I’m not sure if it’s from fear or delight.
And then, just as quickly as the ghost train entered the little gully, it is gone. People murmur appreciation and begin shuffling off the platform.
This is one of my favorite parts of the annual Harvest Nights celebration held on the gardens of the Indianapolis art museum, Newfields. It’s become a tradition for a friend and me to attend annually. Mostly, it’s a chilly evening stroll through the grounds filled with artistic displays of gourds and pumpkins, lights, and not-too-spooky moss. We stop for liquid spirits and snacks as we explore, marveling at the tens of thousands of pumpkins, taking pictures and chatting.
Attending local events with unique features makes one feel connected to one’s community in a special way.
The Newfields’ Harvest Nights has an exceptional theatrical display projected on the side of the Lilly Mansion, er… Mischief Manor, which tells the story of the Three Graces, inspired by the Carrara marble sculptures in the garden. The light projection is so well done, you’d swear the vines that grow over the walls during the drama are real. And, when the brick crumbles off the building, you struggle to believe it’s not really happening.
Most communities – well, in the Midwest anyway - have their local pumpkin patches and corn mazes, yet there is always something cozy and connecting about the one in your community.
I make at least one annual visit to an area orchard, Tuttle Orchards, just outside of the city. Some years I pick apples with my adult children and we make apple sauce; other years I pop in alone, pick up some pumpkin donuts and have a cider slushie.
There is something significant about this being our community’s orchard - our fall gathering spot. As I wander past young families pulling wagons of just-picked pumpkins and elderly couples deciding between a jar of local honey or apple butter, a sense of warmth and friendliness exudes from sharing the space together. I don’t personally know these people, but they are part of my fall community, and that gives us all a sense of belonging.
Our area also features the memorable Headless Horseman Festival where you can encounter – of course - a headless man riding a live horse through the village on the open prairie of the outdoor living history museum, Conner Prairie.
Perhaps it’s the added element of being outside, often interacting with nature, and feeling the crisp night air that makes fall events feel even more special.
Denver has its Zombie Crawl; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has its Terror Behind the Walls, held at the Eastern State Penitentiary; and Sleepy Hollow, New York, naturally has its Sleepy Hollow Halloween to celebrate Washington Irving’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheater in Chillicothe, Ohio, hosts the annual Frankenstein Experience. In 2023, I attended with a group of ladies. We watched the live, hour-long, outdoor Frankenstein production, walked the haunted trail, and even did a little axe throwing. The events and setting were unusual and engaging, but what made the experience socially valuable was sharing it with friends as well as strangers who were gathered in a celebratory mood.
What seasonal autumn events add to your sense of belonging in your community? How do you (or how can you) share these events with others? How do they increase your personal social value as you participate? Do they have any sacred ritual components for you?
Golden Connection Challenge:
Invite a friend to participate in one of your community's seasonal celebrations. Consider wearing something in your Hello Zone to invite interaction with others at the event
I’d love to hear about your experiences with a comment here or email me using the contact form.