Maybe we have finally turned the corner from summer to fall – at least it says so on the calendar.

Ideally we’re hoping the same can be said on our streets and in our local shops and restaurants. The weather has tamed a bit, school has been in session for many weeks already, the special events are cranking up and hopefully our business establishments are enjoying a renewed and busier clientele.

It was a difficult summer in many ways, but we urge residents to get out this week to enjoy the Ballet Arizona performance on Thursday evening and then the Oktoberfest on Friday and Saturday nights. There are other cultural events going on as well – Jazz in the Hills, Fountain Hills Youth Theater, etc.

The quintessential high school celebration takes place this week as well – homecoming. A newer annual tradition, staging a homecoming parade on Avenue of the Fountains, will continue at 5 p.m. today, despite ongoing construction on the Avenue’s median. The big game and halftime celebration are set for Friday.

And don’t forget Monday – a small celebration is being held at the Community Center to celebrate the building’s 13th anniversary.

It’s imperative that we as a town get behind our special events, our schools and our business community. We must strive to support Fountain Hills’ efforts to stay strong and vital at the economic level.

So take some time this week to enjoy the special things this community has to offer. If we don’t take pride in our town and what it brings to the table, how can we expect to ever attract busloads of tourists and other visitors to Fountain Hills?

Let the Fall Frenzy begin!