Five Signs Fall Is Almost Here in Georgia

 It may be one of the hottest weeks of the summer this week, but fall is right around the corner, and we don’t need a calendar to tell us that.

How?

Here are five ways to know that fall is coming fast in Georgia.

1. Deer Hunting. The archery season for deer hunting opens up this weekend (Sept. 14), and that will explain the run of blaze-orange gear at local sporting good stores. The gun season picks up in earnest in October. 

2. Nervous UGA Fans: OK, so you could probably say Bulldog football fans are nervous year-round, but once things get between the hedges, it’s worry time to the umpteenth degree. Every perceived weakness with the team is now being discussed nonstop on Atlanta’s three sports-talk radio stations.

3. Halloween Marketing: Have your kids (you, too) decided what you’ll wear for Halloween?  Chances are you’ve already seen some suggestions on TV, the web and in mail circulars. Punch in “Halloween 2013” on Google, and you’ll get a half-billion results (yes, with a B). It’s already frightening!

4. Yellow Butterflies: You’ve probably seen an increase in yellow butterflies flittering around already, and if you haven’t, they’ll become more numerous soon. They’re probably Cloudless Sulfurs, by the way, on their migratory route to Florida. Many believe seeing the butterflies signals a change in the season, and bass fisherman swear that when they see the insects, it’s time to head to the lake.

5. Oktoberfest: It’s so big in Helen in the North Georgia mountains that Oktoberfest can’t be contained in just one month. The annual German-themed festival begins Sept. 12 and runs until Oct. 27. Lots of beer and knockwurst!