There’s so much about fall that brings us together. 

Seasons. As much as a sunny weather person might protest, the seasons we experience in Iowa are part of a beautiful cycle. And it’s more than the role they play in the cycles of planting, growing and harvest. For a native Midwesterner, the seasons become ingrained in our collective consciousness with special events, anticipated traditions, warm feelings and positive emotions. 

We asked Central Bank team members to share their favorite fall activities with us in a survey. Many of the responses fell into common categories, with outdoor activity, connection with nature and the spirit of fall football among them. Another commonality was the enthusiasm that accompanied the responses. We like fall!

When it comes to outdoor activity, Central Bank team members head for the trails and other big, wide-open spaces to fill their lungs with the fall air. More than a few employees mentioned the enjoyment of a ride on a cool, crisp Iowa day. For many, that means hopping on bicycle – a perfect place to take in the state’s fall color. Several others cited outside work and the joy of “riding a tractor or combine with my significant other during harvest.” Getting outside for a ride ranked high. 

Also outdoors, but not necessarily in a seat, many cited the joys of pumpkin patches and apple orchards. Stephanie Zeller and Sherry Worthington both associated fall with family and special trips to the pumpkin patch and apple orchard. Julie Dhabalt got specific and mentioned apple picking in Mondamin, Iowa. Jenny Yates would probably have lots of company in mentioning “Pumpkin spice lattes” as a fall favorite. If you’re a shopper, it might seem that pumpkin flavor is everywhere!

And of course, fall means football. In what was probably the most often mentioned association with fall, Central Bank team members detailed to us their love for the pigskin. They love playing, watching, tailgating, listening and cheering. Whether it is the hometown spirit of a high school game as mentioned by Sherry Worthington or the joy of a Saturday spent moving around the house with a college game on the radio as cited by others, our people look forward to this aspect of fall with great anticipation. 

Do you have any unique fall traditions? Share them with us or give us a shout on our Facebook page.