Because the Autumn Equinox was September 23, 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 folks coming down from the north, and more and more outdoor festivals. Recognized holidays in October include Yom Kippur(October 1), Columbus Day (October 13), Sweetest Day (October 18) 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 is International Day of Older Persons, dedicated to honor, respect and care for the world’s elderly. I would personally like to know how “elderly” is defined. It may just be a state of mind. In 1990, the United Nations General Assembly designated this date as the International Day for the Elderly, also known as the International Day for Older Persons (as I prefer to be called). The holiday is the result of research by the U.N. World Assembly on Aging, which was formed in 1982 to explore and tend to the needs of the elderly in the world. I guess it took eight years to decide which day to celebrate old people.
October 11 – 12: 51st 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
Stone Crab Season begins on October 15, 2025, and runs through May 1, 2026. During this period, only the claws of legal-sized crabs (at least 2 7/8 inches) can be harvested, with the stone crabs themselves released back into the water to regenerate their claws.
October 17, celebrate National Mulligan Day and enjoy the comfort in knowing that if at first you don’t succeed, you’ll get another shot at it. Often associated with getting a freebie after a less than desirable golf shot, National Mulligan Day can apply to any undertaking in which you would care for a do-over.
There are several theories about the term “mulligan,” the first dating back to 1793 and the Irish aristocrat/golfer Thomas Mulligan. There have been golfers named Mulligan in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. July 1985, yet another Mulligan, David, was interviewed and confirmed stories about extra shots that he had taken. I guess there have been golfers named Mulligan as long as there has been golf.
October 16 – 19: Biketoberfest, Daytona Beach. Thousands of motorcycles will be roaring throughout Daytona Beach and beyond for the 33rd 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. For information, go to daytonabeach.com/Biketoberfest.
October 17 – 26: Fantasy Fest, Key West. A 10-day celebration that’s been in going on since the 1979, this year is its 46th anniversary. The theme this year is “Bedtime Stories and Magical Monsters,” and includes costume competitions, promenades, street fairs and a grand parade featuring marching groups and lavish floats. For schedules and additional information, go to fantasyfest.com.
