The autumn equinox came and went on Sept. 23. Now we should begin noticing that the days are definitely shorter and the nights are getting longer.

Farmers have been busy harvesting their crops. All of us are thinking about what we will need through the winter. We gather wood, put up storm windows, change out the tires and get the car its prewinter check-up. We have been so busy we sometimes forget to have fun. But, there are people out there to remind us how to have a good time.

The Visitor Center has a new look this week. The Mancos Valley Arts Council was busy all weekend preparing for its annual Mask Show in the Mancos Town Gallery at the Visitor Center on the corner of Main and Grand. The show celebrates the mystery of the changing seasons and recognizes the special meaning this time of year has for all of us. No matter the culture, there are festivities to mark this time of year. The Mask Show opens on Friday, October 10 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. and it's free. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call the Visitor Center at 533-7434.

The Mancos Creative District and the Mancos Public Library are working together on something new for the town, the inaugural Mancos Fall Harvest Community Potluck. Mark your calendar for Sunday, Oct. 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. You can call Town Hall at 970-533-7725 for details, but know that the event is free.

The Montezuma School to Farm Project will have its annual "Homespun Supper" at the Mount Lookout Grange on Saturday, Oct. 18. Tickets are $50. Come celebrate the bounty from Mancos Valley growers. Call 503-880-6226 for more information.

Our local schools, the library, and the Lions Club always have fun for kids during the Halloween holiday. Contact those organizations to learn the details.

I remember moving to Mancos nine years ago. The town was a pretty quiet place, especially in the fall. But, look at us now. The community has discovered that the changing seasons offer us opportunities to gather and to share laughter, fun, food and good times.

Marianne Griffin is the executive director of the Mancos Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, 101 E. Bauer Ave. Visit www.mancosvalley.com or contact her at 533-7434. You can also visit chamber@mancosvalley.com for more information.