Welcome to autumn, with the beautiful fall colors coming into view. The warm temperatures we've been experiencing are an introduction to Indian summer.

The Happy Apple Day and Scarecrow Festival Saturday, September 20, in DeTour was a time enjoyed by all in the village. There was something for everyone. It was nice to see friends from Cedarville, Hessel, Sault Ste. Marie, and other outlying areas enjoying themselves. The appraisers from the Auction Block in Manistique were busy all day appraising items brought in by area residents.

Winners of the apple dessert contest were: Char Fountain, first place, and Kim Houthoofd, second and third place. Winners of the second chance drawing were: Bonnie O'Brien of Sault Ste. Marie, first place; Bill Scott, second place, and Jan Smith, third place. Winners of the scavenger prize were: Sue Bosley, first place; Jan Smith, second place, and Patti Kocinsky, third place. The auction at the E.U.P. Fine Arts Cultural Center ended the day, with many smiling buyers leaving with their purchases.

The vintage fashion show and tea at the Huron Street Inn bed and breakfast was a well attended affair. Some of the clothes modeled were 100 years old.The vintage clothes were well preserved and their colors vibrant. One such gown was a wedding dress worn by Nell McCullough when she married G. Ray December 21, 1933, in Escanaba. The dress was purple velvet, with shoes to match. The outfit drew a round of applause from the audience. Wedding gowns dating from 1950 to 1960 were also modeled. The gown from 1950 was designed by a Catholic nun in France. It's one of a kind, purchased in Detroit, and was worn by my sister, Marion Farr, on her wedding day June 17, 1950, when she married John N. Farr. Children's vintage clothes were also modeled by youngsters from DeTour. This show proved just how fashionable DeTour women were years ago. Tea and muffins were enjoyed. David and Susie Rhinard opened their inn for this occasion. David was the emcee. RuthAnn Hudak and Susie Rhinard coordinated this event.

Modeling for the Vintage Fashion show are (from left) Kjersten VanDaele, Janelle Dudeck, Kaitlynn VanDaele, Sandy Wytiaz, Christy Papin, Kylie Woods, Jake Dudeck, Carol Norton, Rene Norton, Heather VanDaele, and Keegan Fountain. The clothes dated from the late 1800's to the 1960's. David and Susie Rhinard hosted the show to benefit the DeTour Passage Museum and the DeTour Botanical Gardens. Fifty ticket holders enjoyed tea and muffins following the show. (Photograph courtesy of Meta Geyer) Many worked behind the scenes to bring this festive occasion to the village. All proceeds will benefit the DeTour Historical Museum and the Botanical Gardens.

Plans are in the making for future events, such as the Christmas show, which will be directed by David Rhinard. Auditions will start soon. More information to follow.

If you're canning fresh-picked vegetables from your garden, keep this thought in mind: A world without tomatoes is like a string quartet without violins.