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I guess the meteorologists in the Ohio Valley know what they are talking about. It seems that although the Farmers' Almanac states the autumn season officially begins on Sept. 22, meteorologists' fall season began Sept. 1.
Judging by the current weather today, maybe they know more than the Almanac folks. These cool temperatures had me scrambling for a sweatshirt in the early morning and keeping a jacket in the car. It has been delightful weather for sleeping with the windows open and silencing the noisy air conditioner.
I'm not foolish enough, however, to believe that the temperature won't go up again for a few more weeks before the actual fall season kicks in. Let's face it, Ohio Valley weather can be quite fickle. One minute we have the air conditioner on, and the next we are throwing a log on the fire.
Last Sunday night, we experienced a nearly picture perfect weather day. Warm in the daytime was followed by a cool down and then an almost eerie wind. That day served as the perfect backdrop to one of the most attended outdoor concerts of the season at Oglebay Park. The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra capped off the Labor Day weekend with a superb free concert with fabulous accompanying vocalists.
Thousands of people from far and wide spilled onto the concert site bringing folding chairs, pushing strollers and wheelchairs and enjoying picnic style refreshments. We made a point of getting there early and were able to sink our chairs into some great spots for viewing the concert and people watching.
While awaiting the start of the music, I engaged in conversation with some of the people around me. There is something about this type of event that lends itself to a shared camaraderie. I met several couples from Beaver, Pennsylvania who had only prior occasion to visit the park for the annual Winter Festival of Lights.
They asked a lot of questions about Oglebay and Wheeling in general. Being a former tour bus guide for the park, I was more than happy to oblige their inquiries. I suggested they return for Oglebayfest on Oct. 4-6 for an unforgettable Wheeling experience.
Another retired couple from Michigan was visiting their children who live locally. While they were familiar with Oglebay, they had not experienced the symphony's concert. Once the music started, there were thumbs up all around.
It would be an understatement to say the concert was well-received. The people of the Ohio Valley are spoiled by the talents of the Wheeling Symphony and the free offerings at Oglebay. We would be wise to never take them for granted.
The weather may be changing, but we've had a great run of fun despite the heat wave. See you next year.
Heather Ziegler may be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.