Summer has again flown by. So here’s autumn, with colorful mums, pumpkins, apples, football and ten-foot-tall skeletons. The Ticker has a look at what’s coming, what’s hot, and what to do this fall in northern Michigan.

The Costume
With Michael Keaton’s return in his signature role on the big screen, Beetlejuice is emerging as the most popular costume for the scary season. That’s the case nationwide, according to sources from Reddit to Real Simple, though pop culture is also seen in the likes of Barbie and Ken (still), Deadpool & Wolverine, and of course Taylor Swift.

Local Halloween Superstore staffers agree, noting the Ghost with the Most appeals to both sexes and kids as well, though the younger set is still happy to don Spiderman or ghost outfits, with witches and princesses tops for girls. The staff say costume-seekers are also improvising, grabbing a wig here, a cape there, and piecing together their own outfit. 

The Weather
Meteorologist Matt Gillen of the National Weather Service in Gaylord points to the second week of October for the best fall colors. “Inland it will be about a week sooner, but for the coastal areas and Traverse City, the 14th through the 25th or 26th are favored for peak fall color,” he says.

The extremely dry conditions were relieved by the recent rainfall, but the rain and accompanying wind brought down leaves that had already begun to turn and die. Gillen says that should not impact the colors, however. “The rain over the last week mitigated those concerns,” he says. “There should still be plenty on the trees, barring another storm.” He expects the colors to be vibrant.

The Grapes
That hot, dry weather has been beneficial for wine grapes. Lee Lutes, winemaker for Black Star Farms, says the warmer-than-usual September following the wetter-than-usual spring has produced what looks to be a fantastic grape harvest. The dry spell kept fungal diseases in check, and the rain came just in time to allay any concerns.

The result: “This year, we’re having an absolutely epic September. Whites are coming in now, sparkling about ten days ago,” Lutes says. And he says the reds may be the best ever. “This is my 32nd vintage in northern Michigan and I don’t remember anything like this. We’ve had five good growing years. Based on where we stand, this could be the best of those five.”

Black Star Farms grows grapes on both Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas. Lutes says he’s seen no real differences between the two, meaning virtually all of the region’s wineries should be in for a bumper crop, though he says local conditions may differ.

The Beer
For the zythophiles out there (go ahead and look it up), next week is Frankfort Beer Week, running Sept. 30-Oct. 5. It’s not just about drinking beer, though there will be plenty of that. Scott Graham, executive director of the Michigan Brewer’s Guild, will talk about the history of brewing and the current state of brewing in Michigan at the Benzie Shores Library in Frankfort Oct. 1. Frankfort and Elberta restaurants will feature specials pairing or incorporating beers.

Traverse City Beer Week follows, taking place Nov. 8-16. The many breweries and brewpubs in Traverse City will be participating, offering beer specials, special events and special prizes. Click here to learn more and get your beer passport.

Apples & Football
The Grand Traverse Area Spartans will host an apple gleaning event Oct. 5 from 1 to 3 at Menzel’s Orchard on Old Mission Peninsula. Matt Frye from the MSU alumni group says everyone is welcome to help harvest the apples, which will benefit Food Rescue's Healthy Harvest program. It takes fresh, excess produce from local farms and orchards and distributes it to local food pantries and meal sites. Frye says a crew of about 40 should be able to pick enough apples to fill the Healthy Harvest van. The farm is located at 2929 Phelps Road; you can sign up here.

Of course, fall is football season, and one of the highlights is the Patriot Game, taking place this year on Oct. 25. The annual clash between the Traverse City West Titans and Traverse City Central Trojans honors veterans, first responders, active-duty military and area heroes who died while serving our country. Proceeds from this year's t-shirt sales will support Veterans for Peace Chapter 50, American Legion Post #35 Bowen-Holliday, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Cherryland Post 2780.