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. Snowbirds start coming down from the north, and there are more and more outdoor festivals. Recognized holidays in October include Columbus Day (October 12), Sweetest Day (October 17) and, of course, Halloween (October 31). Some are historic, and some are invented to sell more candy and greeting cards. There is no end to finding 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 for the Elderly, 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 UN World Assembly on Aging, which was formed in 1982 to explore and tend to the needs of the elderly in the world.
October 3, 1863 – President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation designating the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day.
October 4, 1965 – Pope Paul VI became the first Pope to visit the U.S. and the first to address the United Nations.
October 10 – 11 – 52nd Annual Bicycle Festival, Mount Dora. Attracting over 1,000 cyclists of all ages, this is a 2-day weekend ride with multiple routes, food and festivities; a friendly ghost ride, crushing hill climbs, and several routes. 310 S. Tremain St. for more information, go to https://www.cyclemountdora.com/
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, 1775 – The United States Navy was born after the Second Continental Congress authorized the acquisition of a fleet of ships.
October 15 – 18: 34th Annual Biketoberfest, Daytona Beach. Thousands of motorcycles will be roaring throughout Daytona Beach and beyond for the 30th 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 more information, go to daytonabeach.com/biketoberfest
October 15 – 18 – Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Clearwater. The 47nd annual Jazz Holiday brings together all veins of jazz music in one of the longest-running live jazz events in the country. At Coachman Park. For more information, and performer lineup, go to clearwaterjazz.com
October 15 – Stone Crab Season, begins, and continues through May 15. As stone crab season begins, we hope to see our local vendors with a nice supply for us this year!
October 17 – Everyone deserves a second chance. Today, we 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 with the Irish aristocrat/golfer Thomas Mulligan.
October 16 – 25 – Fantasy Fest, Key West. A 10-day celebration that’s been in going on since the 1979, this year is its 47th anniversary. The theme this year is “Musical Icons and Iconic Musicals,” and includes costume competitions, promenades, street fairs and a grand parade featuring marching groups and lavish floats, rated for mature audiences only. For more 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 31st – Halloween or All Hallow’s Eve, an ancient celebration combining the Christian festival of All Saints with Pagan autumn festivals.
