How does a condiment cow represent autumn? Great question. The only way to an answer is to examine the phenomena of autumn in western New York state. I'm not exaggerating when I say phenomena; this is a unique area celebrating the autumnal equinox in our own ways.
There is a gradual build up of passion and excitement as we enter the season. I remember as a kid that it was all about the start of school. A new year to redeem your sins of the prior year and a new chance to start fresh. That still goes on today, complete with debates of shorts or pants, jackets or not, and masks or no masks. This is not however the first step to entering autumn in WNY any longer.
The rituals now start as early as July with the opening of Buffalo Bills training camp. Every year, not just this year, the mantra is heard loud and clear "This is our year. We're going all the way this year." Sure, sure - it may actually happen this year, but seriously people... We have said that in years when the Bills struggled to hit a 25% victory mark. We are true Bill-ievers. Ever hopeful, loyal, and adaptable. This a way to describe life in the WNY. This year we also add a new frenzied excitement with the exceptional-to-date performance of the Bills. People have a spring in their step, a common bond, and a friend at every turn. It is not uncommon to hear a conversation start or end with "Go Bills!" 🤞
Apples! Everywhere! We have them. Grown near our own backyards. We would make the argument of having the best apples in the country. We have crisp, soft, sweet, tart, and baking apples. Our use of apples in recipes, baking, and drinks rivals the pumpkin insanity elsewhere. Love a WNY apple, especially in pies, cobblers, and crisps. A Sunday pot of homemade applesauce is the best room freshener and also warms the soul.
Western New Yorkers regularly profess their reason for settling in this area as a true love for the change of seasons. What they are really saying is they love fall and everything it brings to WNY. Nobody loves our winters or our springs for that matter. There is frozen precipitation of all sorts, darkness and greyness, mud, salt, and nobody goes out unless they have to go out.They pretty much live here because they grew up here or return to this area to be near family. Change of seasons seems to be some sort of badge of courage. It is not unusual to overhear folks discussing whether they have turned their heat on yet. "Just for a quick warm-up in the morning and then I turn it back off." "We don't turn ours on until the clocks get turned back." "We try to tough it out with layers until mid-November." People! Get a grip! If it's cold, turn the heat on. That's why we have it. Winter is still coming whether you turn the heat on or not.
We've all seen pictures or hopefully you have experienced the fall foliage of western New York. This year was truly remarkable. With warm days, cold nights, and lots of sun - the colors were brilliant. Leaf peeping along with the apple picking and pumpkin field carriage tours are still a fall ritual for families across the region. Most farm markets recognize the money-making draw of harvest time in our region. They have expanded into corn mazes, haunted hay rides, house decorations acclaimed around the country for originality. We take advantage of any way to enjoy the final days of sun, color, and a little warmth on our faces. This year's award for maybe going just a step too far(?) goes to Stokoe Farms with their monster slides, wagon rides, dinosaurs, apples, pumpkins, and food. I didn't realize everything they offered until the 8 yr old grandson told me "I wanted to slap a little girl to get her away from the condiment cow. I needed some ketchup." When the shock on my face registered with him, he laughed and said "I'm just kidding, but I wanted her to move." So there it is, we now add the condiment cow to autumn traditions in WNY. So, here you go. Try to forget this image of fall traditions in Scottsville NY. You're welcome.
Happy Halloween!
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