Autumn is my favorite season. I love watching the leaves change color and enjoying the scents of apple, cinnamon, pumpkin, and caramel in homes and shops. As the leaves turn, I’m reminded of Ecclesiastes 3:1: “For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under Heaven.”
Leaves drop so trees can rest, then return renewed in spring. This cycle, year after year, reflects purpose. As days shorten, we too face seasons of tears and laughter, wins and setbacks, heartache and joy. Each is necessary for growth. Our purpose is to embrace these cycles and bring life and strength to our community. This aligns with our series on “Loving our Community,” and today’s focus: serving with purpose.
September in Concordia comes alive with Fall Fest and Friday night lights. For city staff, these events are a chance to serve in meaningful ways. Weeks before Fall Fest, Parks & Recreation and Public Works crews prepare parks, cemeteries, and sidewalks. They mow, trim, weed, pressure wash, and repaint crosswalks. Trash pickup increases, electrical outlets are tested, and barricades and picnic tables are delivered downtown. These behind-the-scenes details ensure our community is ready to welcome everyone.
Police and Fire/EMS also step up. They increase staffing, polish vehicles for parades, and manage intersections to keep participants and spectators safe. At football games, they provide security and medical assistance. Firefighters become grill masters, supporting the CHS Booster Club tailgate, while police officers hand out ice cream for their annual Cops and Cones event. These gestures show care, connection, and appreciation for our community.
City staff also help with the Homecoming parade, assisting floats as riders disembark and supporting CHS students at a milestone “leaf drop” in their journey toward their next “spring.”
Why do local government workers devote time to tasks that anyone could do? Because our purpose is to serve. Community events are more than logistics—they create safe, enjoyable spaces where people can gather, celebrate, and build memories.
City staff efforts represent only a small part of what makes events successful. We thank CHS administration, faculty, staff, Student Council, and Booster Club for creating memorable Homecoming celebration. We thank the Fall Fest Committee, Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, and vendors for shaping a festival that draws residents and visitors alike. And we thank athletes and performers who train tirelessly to showcase their skills for our entertainment.
Each year, these events grow stronger, refined by small changes and dedicated contributions. Like the falling colorful leaves, each season builds on the last, renewing our community’s strength and spirit.
Autumn reminds us to love our community through service. Every parade, performance, clean sidewalk, polished vehicle, grilled burger, and shared scoop of ice cream is done with love and purpose. As you enjoy Homecoming and Fall Fest this year, know that each detail reflects love for Concordia.
Let the leaves fall, because in Concordia, we build community.
