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September, FCAD and irrigation
I can usually tell when September rolls in by the way the landscape looks. Saturday was no exception.
I was driving to my parents’ house Saturday, looking around, thinking about FCAD, when I realized that I was looking at September. It kind of startled me to realize that I noticed this on Sept. 1. Normally it takes me a few days.
Let me clarify what I mean by a September landscape. In my opinion, the rays of the sun take on a softer, gentler look. It isn’t the harsh, hot, orange sun of August. It’s a look that says fall is just around the corner and cooler days are ahead.
I haven’t decided if this time of the year is my favorite or not. It’s in a battle with spring. One of the reasons I like this time of year is the promise of cool nights and warm days. It also promises FCAD.
FCAD was started in 1981 by a group of farmers who were concerned that consumers didn’t know where their food was coming from. Each year, the event features free tours, a parade, a fresh produce sale and vendors selling food, crafts and services. In the past few years, a quilt show, car show and hot air balloon festival have been added. It is, all-in-all, a fun-filled weekend.
This year, the FCAD committee has adopted the theme of “60 Years of Irrigation.”
It was in 1952 that crops in the Quincy Valley first experienced irrigation. It was a dream come true for many of the early pioneers, who endured dry summers and poor crops. (Learn more about irrigation in the Quincy Valley on page 4 of the FCAD supplement, published in last week’s paper. The supplement will be available at FCAD.)
As someone who has grown up with irrigation and worked as an irrigator, it is hard to imagine the valley without it. So, to all those who helped bring water to Quincy, thank you. Your efforts have made Quincy a bountiful plain.
P.S. There will be a display about the history of irrigation in Quincy at FCAD.
