After a long, hot summer, temperatures are finally starting to come down. And gas prices, which seemed to rise with the sweltering temperatures, have also dropped to still high, but comparatively reasonable amounts.

The cooler weather and lower prices at the pump have come at a perfect time to enjoy one of the rites of fall—festival season. It’s always great to get out and spend some time with old friends, make some new ones, enjoy a funnel cake, crab cake or some other delicacy, see what unique items the vendors have to sell, and watch the fire trucks, marching bands and other entries in an old-fashioned hometown parade.

This year, the celebration is especially sweet. Many of the festivals had to close up shop in 2020 as a result of the pandemic, and are only now just getting back to “normal.”

Locally, activities begin this Friday and Saturday with Mathews Market Days. This weekend also kicks off September as “Guinea Heritage Month” with the Miss Guinea Jubilee Pageant on Sa...