Because the Autumn Equinox was September 22, our nights are getting longer, and our days are getting shorter…and, definitely cooler. October may be the best month of the year in Florida. We begin to get more and more outdoor festivals. Recognized holidays in October include Rosh Hashana (October 2), Yom Kippur (October 11), Columbus Day (October 14), Sweetest Day (October 19) and, of course, Halloween (October 31). Some are religious, some are historic, and some are invented to sell more candy and greeting cards. There is no end to man’s imagination for an excuse to celebrate…and, before you venture out, be sure to check the October calendars and events for BSMCC, Platinum Point Yacht Club and the Burnt Store Marina Fitness, Racquet and Pool Club!
October 1, 1908 – Henry Ford’s Model T, a “universal car” designed for the masses, went on sale for the first time. October 3, 1990 – After 45 years of Cold War division, East and West Germany were reunited as the Federal Republic of Germany.
October 12, 1492 – After a 33-day voyage, Christopher Columbus made his first landfall in the New World in the Bahamas. He named the first land sighted as El Salvador, claiming it in the name of the Spanish Crown. Columbus was seeking a western sea route from Europe to Asia and believed he had found an island of the Indies. He thus called the first island natives he met, ‘Indians.’
October 13, 1884 – Greenwich was established as the universal time from which standard times throughout the world are calculated.
October 11 – 15: 50th Annual Bicycle Festival, Mount Dora. Attracting over 1,000 cyclists of all ages, this is a 3-day weekend ride with multiple routes, food and festivities; a friendly ghost ride, crushing hill climbs, and 14 routes. 341 N. Alexander St. 352-383-2165. mountdorabicyclefestival.com
October 17 – 20: Biketoberfest, Daytona Beach. Thousands of motorcycles will be roaring throughout Daytona Beach and beyond for the 32th anniversary of Biketoberfest. Hubs include Main Street, Beach Street and events at Daytona International Speedway, as well as the Harley-Davidson Entertainment Center and Destination Daytona on U.S. 1. Attractions include motorcycle shows, live music, scenic rides, vendors and more. 386-255-0415. daytonabeach.com/Biketoberfest
October 18 – 27: Fantasy Fest, Key West. A 10-day celebration that’s been in going on since 1979. The theme this year is “90s NEON Cosmic Carnival,” and includes costume competitions, promenades, street fairs and a grand parade featuring marching groups and lavish floats. This event is not for the “faint of heart.” For information, go to fantasyfest.com.
October 21, 1879 – Thomas Edison successfully tested an electric incandescent lamp with a carbonized filament at his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey, keeping it lit for over 13 hours.
October 24, 1861 – The first transcontinental telegram in America was sent from San Francisco to Washington, addressed to President Abraham Lincoln from the Chief Justice of California.
October 26, 1825 – The Erie Canal opened as the first major man-made waterway in America, linking Lake Erie with the Hudson River, bypassing the British-controlled lower St. Lawrence. The canal cost over $7 million and took eight years to complete.
October 27, 1904 – The New York City subway began operating, running from City Hall to West 145th Street, the first underground and underwater rail system in the world.
October 30, 1990 – For the first time since the Ice Age, Great Britain was connected to the European continent, via a new rail tunnel under the English Channel.
