Fall has a way of bringing people together, and in Statesboro, some of our favorite events have been doing just that for years. The Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair and Shopping by Lantern Light each give us a reason to reconnect with familiar faces and enjoy the community we call home.

From the bright lights of the midway to the warm glow of lanterns and an evening spent shopping locally, both have become part of what makes fall in Statesboro special.

One of the first signs that fall has arrived is the preparation and anticipation surrounding the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair, set this year for Oct. 19–24. For generations, the hometown tradition has drawn families, friends and neighbors for a week filled with familiar sights, sounds and flavors.

Fair week is also a homecoming of sorts. Many people who grew up in or around Statesboro travel back to town because they simply can’t miss it.

The celebration begins downtown with the annual Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair Parade, where marching bands, colorful floats and local organizations fill the streets and officially usher in fair week. Soon after, the fairgrounds come alive with the glow of the midway, carnival games and live entertainment, along with the unmistakable aroma of funnel cakes, cotton candy and other fair favorites.

The Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair has always been about far more than rides and food. Its agricultural roots remain an important part of the experience, with youth livestock shows and exhibits celebrating the farming heritage of the region. Local residents also enter their best work in fair competitions, including photography, fine arts, handmade crafts, homegrown produce, canning and baking.

And we can’t talk about the fair without mentioning the “World Famous” Pancake House. A tradition dating back to the 1960s, it has become a destination all its own. Plates piled high with warm pancakes, sausage and sweet syrup have been part of the fair experience for decades, often shared around tables with friends you happened to run into along the way.

As fair season fades and the holidays draw closer, another favorite gathering gives Statesboro a reason to come together. Shopping by Lantern Light returns Tuesday, Nov. 24, from 5:30–9 p.m., bringing a festive glow to the final farmers market of the year.

Held at The Market at Visit Statesboro, the evening offers a chance to prepare for Thanksgiving while getting an early start on Christmas shopping. Farmers and food producers bring seasonal favorites for the holiday table, while local artisans and makers offer unique gifts you won’t find on the shelves of any big-box store.

This year, Shopping by Lantern Light will stay open a little later, giving shoppers more flexibility to stop by when it works best for their schedules. The extended hours also offer more time to browse the booths and enjoy the evening at an easy pace. Food trucks will be on hand, too, for anyone looking to grab a bite or a treat while shopping.

There is something especially inviting about shopping after dark under the warm glow of lanterns, visiting with familiar faces and seeing what local growers, bakers and makers have brought for the season. You can pick up ingredients for Thanksgiving dinner, search for a thoughtful Christmas gift or simply enjoy an evening out before the holiday rush begins.

The Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair and Shopping by Lantern Light give fall in Statesboro two very different kinds of energy. One brings the bright lights and excitement of fair week; the other eases us toward the holidays with local shopping and a slower evening downtown.

Both have earned their place on the calendar — and in the traditions people look forward to year after year.