Fall arrived with a vengeance on Friday, Sept. 22, the first day of the autumnal equinox and the day of Bayfield's Homecoming parade and football game. The temperature plummeted, rain fell, and it quickly became apparent to all of us, "fall is here."

Fortunately, Southwest Colorado's weather is also fickle, so after an afternoon rainstorm, the skies cleared up enough for downtown Bayfield to enjoy a purple-swathed Homecoming parade. I have to say, I love watching the little middle school kids just because they're so enthusiastic about playing volleyball or running cross country or performing in the band. And of course, some of them aren't so little anymore - many are taller than I am.

After a trip to the office to get all of those parade photos online, it was time to head to the game. The weather changed its mind again, and now it got really windy. I bought a burger at the tailgate and scrambled to keep my plate and chips from blowing away. Being the mom of a BHS senior, I splurged on a big Homecoming mum, and the wind had a heyday with the long ribbons and charms hanging from it. A few of the letters of my son's came off, but I found them later on my new cross-country sweatshirt and the trusty camera bag. Fortunately, I had affixed the mum to my sweatshirt with duct tape, so that sucker did not blow off.

Then about 10 minutes before kickoff, the wind quieted down, and a Friday night football typhoon suddenly became a beautiful fall night. The choir sang the national anthem and the crowed roared as the team took the field.

Durango fans had thoughtfully brought banners that read "Exterminate the Wolverines" and something about taking our homecoming.

"Can I take those down?" my younger kid asked as he bounced between cheering with the rowdy crowd and playing football with the kids near the baseball field.

"No," I said, although I secretly wanted to allow him to do it. I knew the new AD and principal would not be pleased with me if he did.

It was a heckuva game, and the halftime show was great. The Wolverettes danced, cheerleaders performed impressive flips and created pyramids, and the Marching Wolverines have a wonderful show this year that both celebrates and pokes fun at our favorite spy movies.

After the historic win, we hollered at the Durango fans to take their banners home. The soccer and volleyball teams also performed at the top of their games Saturday, even though the poor soccer players got drenched in a late-morning downpour. The game was finally called for lightning.

This weekend is Bayfield Heritage Days and Sheep Trailing. I hope you'll come join us in downtown Bayfield on Friday night and Saturday. We'd love to have you!

Thanks for reading.