Fall in Saskatchewan happens so fast that if you don’t stop and smell the decaying leaves, you just might miss it. Described less romantically, though the season is brief, it is uniquely marked by its festivities, entertainment and consumer trends.

1. Get lost in fall the harvest way

One memorable way to immerse yourself in the season and embrace the change wholeheartedly is by enjoying a corn maze or pumpkin patch. Because of Saskatoon’s surrounding farmlands, finding a close corn maze is easy but might include a short drive out of town with friends.

If driving into the country to be lost in a maize maze seems more stressful than leisurely, a similar fall experience can be had by attending the annual Dutch Growers Pumpkin Maze. Although it is mostly constructed by straw bales, the free admission and location makes this maze a great alternative for those looking for an iconic fall experience within the city.

2. Frankenstein at the Greystone Theatre

Another sign that fall is here is the arrival of Halloween. Around this time of the year, many different spooky shows are being put on or released. Is there any story more associated with Halloween than Mary Shelley’s beloved Frankenstein? Between Oct. 9 and 19, the University of Saskatchewan’s Greystone Theatre will be treating Saskatoon audiences to the iconic gothic story.

This production of Frankenstein — also known as The Man and the Monster — is the 1926 Henry Milner version, which gained fame as the first stage adaptation of the novel that featured the birth of the monster onstage. This play is the perfect way to set the Halloween mood while seeing how the famous story has been historically portrayed.

3. The snow falls before the leaves do

Typically, fall implies watching the trees lose their leaves, not watching the snow come in September. However cruel that first snowfall of the year is, what’s worse is knowing that it is just the appetizer for the icy winter main course coming next.

It’s important to savour these early snowstorms because at least the snow still melts when it hits the concrete instead of transforming every street into a skating rink. Plus, one can learn to enjoy the satisfying chore of shovelling the snow to rake the leaves.

4. Rocky Horror Picture Show at Broadway Theatre

Not that dressing up for Halloween is a contest or anything, but if it were, the best looking costumes will always be found at the Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Broadway Theatre. The annual event encourages participation through costumes, props — no hotdogs though — singing and dancing.

The Oct. 31 screening of the cult classic will feature an all‑ages event at 7 p.m., followed by a 10:30 p.m. 19+ licensed showing. As the show always sells out, those interested are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.

5. The overlapping holiday consumerism party

If going outside to see what’s happening really isn’t your thing, then it’s best to go looking for the signs of fall in big department stores. Fall is the only time of the year when one can find not just one but three overlapping holiday­-themed consumer items being peddled at the local Walmart.

Staying out of the brisk weather doesn’t mean being left out of the seasonal fun. Just learn to savour the feeling of being able to buy Thanksgiving napkins after picking out a Halloween costume and then heading one aisle over to pick up Christmas lights before they run out. 

With everyone trying to squeeze in as many events as they can while the weather is still favourable, fall could be over before you even know it. Embrace this season of change knowing that if one event on this list isn’t for you, there’s still a cornucopia of good times to be had.

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Noah Callaghan/ Staff Writer

Graphic: Ana Cristina Camacho/ News Editor