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On the Cover
ON THE COVER Fall colors & events
see fall color, using MDc’s fall color report. Get weekly updates on Missouri’s changing leaves and best places to see autumn foliage at mdc.mo.gov/fallcolor.
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leaf Peepers’ lookouts
• High Bluffs • Cemeteries • Parks • Roadways • Bagnell Dam • Wilmore Lodge • Fall festivals
By Norine Albers/ Camden County Museum
Missouri is blessed with a variety of trees, shrubs, and vines that make the fall season come alive with color. You can find best places to view the changing foliage using the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) fall color report at mdc.mo.gov/ fallcolor.
“Our fall color report is updated weekly from MDC foresters all over the state,” explained MDC Community Forester
Ann Koenig. “Users can see where trees are beginning to turn and get recommendations on great places to view the changing leaves.”
Leaves change color at different times, so a fall color season in Missouri may last four-to-six weeks. Missouri trees first begin changing color in the northern part of the state, then move southward. Sassafras, sumac, and Virginia creeper are some of the earliest to change, beginning in mid-September. By late September, black gum, bittersweet, and dogwood are turning.
Generally, the color change is predictable, but much depends on the weather. Chilly fall nights play a big role in the color display. Sugars produced by photosynthesis become trapped inside leaves. Those sugars are the building blocks for the rich red, yellow, orange, and purple pigments. Cooler nights cause the breakdown of green pigments, allowing fall colors to show through.
Koenig noted bright, cloudless fall days are ideal for a good display of autumn color.
Missouri’s fall color can be enjoyed from nearly everywhere. MDC conservation areas or Missouri state parks offer scenic views to enjoy the changing leaves. Prairies and roadsides will even display beautiful shades of gold, purple, olive, and auburn with autumn wildflowers, shrubs, and grasses.
View MDC’s weekly fall color update at mdc.mo.gov/fallcolor. The updates run September through November.
fall eVenTs noT To Miss
oktoberfest
Our Savior Lutheran Church in Camdenton will host their popular Oktoberfest event Oct. 2 from 4-7 p.m. A German meal, door prizes and a polka band will be a part of the event. Seating will be done every 30 minutes for dining in. Advance payment required for curbside/carryout and reserved seating times. For more information, call 573346-7300.
fall festival
The City of Osage Beach will host a Fall Festival Oct. 9 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Live music, vendor booths, pie eating contest, food, games, horse ride/petting zoo, a bounce house and more. Held at the City Park on Hatchery Rd.
Hay Days
Camdenton Crossroads will host a fall festival Oct. 9 from 4-7:30 p.m. Free admission. Music, food trucks, petting zoo, local vendors and more. Located at Court Circle South East and Caulfield Ave. just off the Square in Camdenton.
fall festival
Stark Caverns is hosting a Fall Festival Oct. 16 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free for craft vendors, sluice mining and more. Discounted cave tours will be offered and a beer tent will be set up.
fall boutique crawl
Stores across the Lake area will be participating in a shopping extravaganza Oct. 23 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Boutique owners are working together to offer an experience for shoppers that includes promotions, refreshments, and a fun day of shopping. Get your card stamped at no less than 12 stops and be entered to win the grand prize of $850 in boutique gift cards.
For more information, and a list of locations, go to Lake of the Ozarks Fall Boutique Crawl.
apple butter festival
The Camden County Museum in Linn Creek will host Apple Butter Days Oct. 22 & 23 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fresh apple butter, cider, apple pies and vendors selling crafts will sold. Get there early before the pies sell out! A chili and soup lunch will be offered for a donation. Free admission. For more information, call 573-346-7191.
Official Two Card Stop
