September is the ninth month with 30 days, and is called the Harvest Month. September in Alaska is the shoulder season, which is to say it’s all about the weather. The days get shorter, nights longer, there is a chill in the air, leaves are falling and the flora changes colors from green to yellow to orange to red — what a beautiful scene.
Astrological signs for September: Virgo and Libra; Birthstone: Sapphire; Color: Blue; Flowers: Aster, Morning Glory and Forget-Me-Not; Birds: Wilson’s warbler and the red-tailed hawk; Trees: Pine, Weeping Willow, Lime, Olive and Hazelnut; Days Observed: Labor Day, National Editor’s Day, Grandparents Day, Patriot Day, Citizenship Day and the First Day of Autumn.
Virgo is the sixth sign in the zodiac. Its symbol is the maiden and the element is Earth. The ruling planet is Mercury. Virgo is the second-largest constellation. Virgo people are hardworking, detail-oriented and critical. Their sole purpose is to help others. Libra is the seventh sign in the zodiac. Its symbol is the scales, based on the Scales of Justice and element is Air. The ruling planet is Venus. Libra is symbolized by the griffon, a mythological creature with the head, wings and talons of an eagle and the hind legs of a lion.
The birthstone for September is the Sapphire, believed to mean wisdom, virtue, good fortune and holiness for royals, as well as harmony, peace and faithfulness. An an engagement ring it means faithfulness and sincerity.
The month’s color is a pure, rich blue and is believed to protect those close to you from harm and also represents loyalty and trust.
September’s flowers are the Aster, which is an enchanted flower, known as a talisman of love, a powerful love and a symbol of patience, while the Morning Glory is a flower of duality. Its meaning can be unrequited love, mortality of life, love that is vain or restricted love. These flowers are simple symbols of affection. The Forget-Me-Not represents love and memories.
The birds for September are the Wilson’s warbler, which are known for their beautiful song and bring happiness, and the red-tailed hawk, which is strong power and is said to bring guidance from the heavens and ground the guidance out of the physical world.
The tree for Sept. 1 and 2 is the pine tree, which is the symbol of particular. Pine people tend to love agreeable company, are robust and very active. Sept. 3-12 weeping willow, representing nature, fertility and life. Sept. 13-22 is the lime tree and it’s considered a sacred tree. Sept. 23 is the olive tree, meaning peace or victory. Sept. 24-30 is the hazelnut tree and is considered the tree of wisdom and learning.
The first day observed in September is Labor Day and it’s always on the first Monday of the month. This is a public holiday held in honor of working people in the United States and Canada. It honors the American labor movement and the contributions the workers have made to the strength, prosperity, laws and well-being of the country. The next day observed is National Editor’s Day. This is a day to appreciate all the editors for what they do — the editing of the newspapers, magazines, etc., making sure all articles are not only grammatically but politically correct as well. Thanks to all the editors for doing great jobs.
Then there’s Grandparents Day, which is a secular holiday celebrated in the United States and the United Kingdom since 1978; this is an international holiday. Appreciate your grandparents if you have any for they won’t be around forever. Then there’s Patriot Day, which is an official state holiday commemorating the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord — the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. It’s always on the third Monday of the month. The next day observed is Citizenship Day, this is an American federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the United States Constitution and those who have become U.S citizens. This is usually observed on Sept. 17, the day in 1787 that delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the document in Philadelphia. The last day observed is the First Day of Autumn, this starts with the autumnal equinox meaning,” equal night.” Night and day are about the same length of time, from here on out, the temperatures, begin to drop and the days start to get shorter than the night.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the beginning of the meteorological autumn is on the first of September. September comes from the Latin root, “septem” meaning “seven,” because in the original Roman republican calendar, September was the seventh month of the year, rather than the ninth.
As quoted by Sarah Morgan Bryan Piatt:
It is the summer’s great last heat
It is the fall’s first chill:
They meet!
So here’s what’s happening on the Kenai Peninsula in September: Sept. 6-19 is the Alaska World Arts Festival in Homer. This is a two-week celebration of worldwide arts including 100 performances, exhibits, readings, studio tours, and workshops in music, dance, theater, film, visual arts, written word and comedy in more than 50 venues.
Sept. 6-8 the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center serves as the start for the Kenai River Clean-Up, hosted by Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges.
Sept. 8, hosted by Kenai Local Food Connection, there will be a Harvest Moon Local Food Festival, including a wild-edible walk at the Tsalteshi Ski Trails. This event is led by University of Anchorage Fairbanks Cooperative Extension.
Sept. 12, TRASHexcise sponsored by City of Kenai — this encourages exercise and clean up. This starts at Shqui Tsatnu Trail Head on 4th Avenue, Kenai.
Sept. 13-16 and 20-22 is the 3rd Annual Kenai Silver Salmon Derby, hosted by the Kenai Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center and the City of Kenai and is call the world’s most responsible fishing tournament, and it’s happening on the Kenai River in Kenai.
Sept. 14 at Soldotna Creek Park in Soldotna is another part of the Harvest Moon Local Food Festival. This event is hosted by Kenai Penisula Chapter of the Alaska Farm Bureau and will include for the first time a Harvest Moon pie contest. Also, on Sept. 14 at the Soldotna Creek Park is the Sip & Soak, which is also a part of the Harvest Moon Festival. Local vendors will have local food and other goodies harvested here on the Peninsula.
Sept. 22 the Jam Festival 2019 will be held at the Soldotna Creek Park; this is all about music, artists and the community. There will be two stages going with music, vendors and artists, as well as delicious cook-offs.
Sept. 27-29 in Seward at the Dale R. Lindsey Alaska Railroad International Facility there will be the Seward Music & Arts Festival. This event will have live music and dance performances and artisan, craft and food vendors.
Sept. 28-29 at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex will be the Fireweed Fiber Fest. There will be unprocessed fleece and handcrafted items as well for sale. I believe this is hosted by Soldotna Chamber of Commerce.
Sept. 29-30, starting at the Kenai Visitor and Cultural Center in Kenai is the Kenai River Marathon Run Series, all the proceeds go to support the development of parks and recreation in and around the Kenai Peninsula.
So what’s happening in September in the rest of the state of Alaska? Don’t forget the Alaska State Fair from Aug.22-Sept. 2 in Palmer is still going on. This event features Lumberjack Show, Brad’s World Reptiles, Pirates for Hire, Kegs and Kilts, Monster Trucks, Canine Shows, BBQ Bash and multiple vendors and artists to name a few. See you at the fair.
Sept. 6-7 in Skagway is the Klondike Trail of 1998 International Road Relay, sounds like fun.
Sept. 6-8 in Girdwood is the Girdwood Fungus Fair at the Girdwood Park, Playground & Skate. This event is to educate the public on interesting and/or editable mushrooms.
Sept. 6-7 in Girdwood at the Alyeska Resort & Hotel is the 6th Annual Mountain Bike Festival. There will be two days of bike-themed competitions, live music, demos, workshops and of course riding the Alyeska Bike Park.
Sept. 7 in Anchorage is the Alaska VegFest held at the Alaska Pacific University, come enjoy all the fresh vegetables.
Sept. 13-14 is Rodeo Alaska-September to Remember at the Sullivan Arena in Anchorage; if you like rodeos, you’ll enjoy this
Sept. 14 is the 2nd Annual Wakanda Ball held at the Arctic Rec Center at the Marriott in Anchorage; this event is hosted by Juneteenth Anchorage, which is a nonprofit fundraiser where the proceeds go. Kings and Queens come enjoy an evening of elegance, culture and empowerment, great tasty foods, positive company and entertainment/music designed to showcase our rich culture. Come dressed to impress Afrocentric, African, Afro-Caribbean, Wakandan-inspired or traditional evening wear. This event features a silent auction, cultural expo, and entertainment from Sankofa Dance Theater.
Sept. 28-29 is the Anchorage Festival of Music. This year’s theme is “Binge on Bach.” If classic music is what you like, you’re sure to enjoy.
Sept. 27-29 in Anchorage at the Sullivan Area is the Alaska Women’s Show. This event features, financial seminars, fashion shows, jewelry and health care information.
Now how about some Alaska trivia: On Sept. 1, 1906, Ronald Amundsen reached Nome after the first traverse of Northwest Passage.
On Sept. 8, 1906, the Governor’s office moved from Sitka to Juneau.
On Sept. 10, 1969,the 23rd Oil and Gas Lease Sale nets Alaska nearly $1 billion.
On Sept. 24, 1794, the First Russian Orthodox mission arrived at Kodiak. also, on Sept. 24, 1918 the Katmai National Monument was created.
