Boise, ID

A couple of weeks ago I started this little series of fall fun ideas, and then I got so busy with the “un-fun” things that make up life’s routines and to-do lists that I haven’t had a chance to work on it. Ahh, to have more time! But without further preamble, here we go with Idea number 2.

It never seems to fail that we can go several weeks with no special weekend plans and then all of a sudden, have a weekend where there are four things we’d like to do at the same time. Such was the case recently when we had church events for part of a day, had planned to attend a community harvest party, and then received a last-minute invitation from friends. Since the friends’ invitation was to a party that was a farewell to another friend leaving for a three year stint to a foreign country, we decided to go with that option.

The party was to be held at the home of some friends of the friends who had invited us, and they live near Bruneau Dunes. In case you might not know where that is, it’s the other side of Mountain Home, which itself is about 50 miles east of Boise, so we aren’t talking about going around the block. Our friends had given us directions and my husband had Mapquested it so we knew where we were going. However, when we headed out and called to say that we were actually on our way, the husband of the friend who had given the original directions wanted to be sure we knew what to do, so proceeded to give me a lengthy description of exactly what turns to make, what landmarks to look for (including commentary on the landmarks), etc. That was fine—it was actually very helpful plus he’s a great guy and very funny and I had nothing to do anyway but sit in the passenger seat as we rolled along I-84 between Caldwell and Mountain Home. I really got a kick out of the conclusion of his directions though. They went something like this: you’ll pass a sugar beet field on your right. Go to the end of the field and turn right onto the dirt road. Drive along the end of the field until you come to the corn field. Turn left . . . .” Sounds like a great beginning for a list entitled “You might be an Idahoan if . . .” doesn’t it? You might be an Idahoan if directions to a friends’ house take you through the middle of a corn field—watch out for Ol’ Bessy the faithful milk cow along the way! My husband and I weren’t sure we would be able to positively identify a sugar beet field, and he thought maybe he’d just go on down to the actual road leading into the farm but I pointed out that he would be missing a great opportunity for a story to tell his grandchildren someday, so off we went through the beets and the corn, arriving without incident.

We found ourselves in the middle of a classic fall bonfire party. There was, of course, a giant bonfire, along with bales of hay, pumpkins, and clear Christmas lights strung decoratively around here and there. An abundant table offered baked potatoes with lots of toppings, salads, and yummy desserts. For the next couple of hours we enjoyed eating, hanging out, playing in a tournament of some “toss the beanbag” style game whose name escapes me, and generally having fun. All the while, my mind churned with possibilities of how this could be a fun thing to add to the one thousand things to do list. Since I obviously can’t invite the entire web audience to these people’s home, here’s what I came up with.

Anybody could host an outdoor evening of fall fun and frivolity. Although we don’t all live on farms or someplace big enough for a roaring bonfire, other options certainly exist. Patio chimeneas and “fire pits” are quite popular and not terribly expensive. They may be smaller than a bonfire, but would still work great for creating atmosphere, warmth, and even a place to roast marshmallows or hot dogs. (Of course be sure to check the current local burn laws in effect.) If nothing else, a gas or charcoal grill could be an option. Any kind of outdoor lanterns, torches, or candles, or your basic Christmas lights can add to the festive feeling and provide light for the event. A big pot of chili, baked potatoes, burgers, or whatever your favorite hearty, warm comfort food suitable for outdoor cooking can make a pretty easy menu—or go potluck style and have everybody bring something. If you won’t bother the neighbors, add some music or a couple of games. Hot drinks would bring in another nice touch.

With not too much effort and a little creativity, almost any backyard could be turned into a cheerful harvest party spot, and there’s nothing like the smells of wood smoke, autumn, and savory food aromas wafting around you as you enjoy time with family and friends, assuming you are bundled up appropriately of course. You probably won’t get to include directions like, “go through the beet field ‘til you get to the cornfield” in your invitations, but then again, maybe you could make it a scavenger hunt with your backyard party the final destination. 

So although it may be getting a little late in the season this year for such an event, the next time you feel like enjoying fall and friends at the same time, take it outside. After all, there’s nothing closer than your own back yard!