October has finally begun, which means it’s time to get in the fall spirit. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, fall festivities have come to a halt as many fairs across Connecticut have been canceled. However, there are many fun activities to attend on and off campus such as apple picking, pumpkin carving and a few Quinnipiac-hosted events.

Fair Cancellations

You may be disappointed to find out the Southington Apple Harvest festival will not be returning until fall 2021. It is famous for its delicious apple fritters made by Zion Lutheran Church, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and concerts on the green. Alex’s Lemonade Stand, an important and rewarding foundation, partners with DePaolo Middle School and allows students to raise donations for cancer research.

“Maintaining the health and safety of our community members, vendors, sponsors, volunteers and staff is our top priority,” the Southington Apple Harvest Festival stated on its website. “There is concern regarding the coronavirus pandemic and its projected resurgence in the fall, and the CDC and state guidelines for outdoor group gatherings and social distancing are not logistically viable based on our Festival’s size and location.”

The Durham Fair has also been canceled this year, which is only the fourth time since the fair began in 1916. Each year it draws crowds for the Demolition Derby and the Figure 8. Both performances are wild and full of excitement with a lot of destruction, but luckily everyone will have something to look forward to next year.

Student Engagement

Despite the cancellation of formal events, many Quinnipiac University students are still coming up with ideas to celebrate the autumn weather.

“I’m going to decorate my suite with my roommates by painting pumpkins, hanging lights and putting out Halloween-y decorations.” said Morgan Bloom, a first-year political science major.

Students can immerse themselves in the new season by heading down to Starbucks, purchasing a pumpkin spice latte, relaxing on the quad and gazing at the color-changing leaves.

Here are some of my favorite fall activities:

1. Apple Picking: For a fun social-distancing activity, students can head to Rogers Orchard in Southington, Connecticut on 336 Long Bottom Road to pick apples.

2. Pumpkin Picking: Students can drive over to Hindinger Farm in Hamden, Connecticut, on 835 Dunbar Hill Road and pick out some pumpkins to decorate in your dorm using paint or stencils.

3. Go for a fall hike: Hike Sleeping Giant and photograph the changing leaves. The Farmington Canal trail is also a great option.

4. Watch Halloween movies with your roommates: A few of my favorites are “Hocus Pocus,” “A Nightmare on Elm Street” and “The Haunting of Connecticut.”

5. Bake a fall dessert: One of my favorite activities to do in the fall and winter is bake. Some would say they crave pumpkin pie or even apple pie, but my favorite fall treat is snickerdoodles. This recipe is from “Cookies & Cups” by Shelly Jaronsky for the “PERFECT” Snickerdoodle.

Ingredients:

1 cup butter, room temperature

¾ cup granulated sugar

½ cup light brown sugar

1 egg, plus 1 yolk

1 tablespoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cream of tartar

½ teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 ¾ cup flour

Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cinnamon

Jaronsky said to preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and in a bowl, mix the butter, granulated sugar and light brown sugar together.

After mixing, add the egg, the yolk, vanilla, baking soda, cream of tartar and cinnamon into your butter and sugar mixture.

Once all is combined, gradually add flour.

In a separate bowl, create your cinnamon sugar coating.

Roll each ball of dough into a desired amount of your liking. Place them on a cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes and voila! Amazing, soft and buttery cookies to get you in the fall mood.

6. Another event to be excited about is Halloweek which will take place on Oct. 26 to Oct. 31. The week will consist of virtual psychic readings, a movie night and much more.

“We believe holding a week of events will help students during this odd time at QU and boost morale,” said Brianna Hasso, a senior international business major, and director of social events at SPB.