The history of the Beaverdale Fall Festival goes back to 1980s, when the merchants of the Beaverdale area started this annual fall celebration. In the years that followed, the festival has shown the signs of growth due to the combined efforts of the Beaverdale merchants and Holy Trinity Church. It has changed from a neighborhood celebration to a city-wide event. In 1990s the scope of the fall festival's activities was expanded to include events at Osco Drug, First Church and the Open Bible. In 1999 the Beaverade Business Association hosted the Beaverade Open Golf Championship, of which the festival raised approximately $10,000 for charity.
The 2005 Beaverade Fall Festival took place on September 17, attracting thousands of visitors thanks to its famous carnival rides, fireworks, parade, street dance, Art Fest and Beaver Dash. Since its foundation the festival follows its mission of bringing all the community members together.
Another prominent event among fall festivals is the Autumnfest, held annually in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. It was started in 1977 with its primary objective in providing the residents of Massachusetts with an opportunity to explore the traditions of Woonsocket via a set of activities for both adults and children. Kid fest is designed specially for children, featuring magicians, pony rides, clowns and petting zoo. Throughout its history the Autumnfest has grown into a popular attraction and one of the most celebrated fall festivals of Rhode Island, eagerly anticipated by young and old alike.
The first celebration of Thanksgiving took place in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1621. Initially it was observed by Pilgrims, who arrived to the United States in search of a better life. Having survived their first winter, they decided to show gratitude for the first harvest, which they had grown. Turkey, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie are traditional meals during Thanksgiving. In Canada the holiday is observed in October, while in America it is held on the last Thursday of November.
Several weeks before Thanksgiving the Americans celebrate Halloween, which is All Saints' Day. According to the belief, witches and spirits return to earth to make mischief. Of all the Fall Festivals, Halloween is the most popular among children, who wear fancy dress and play trick or treat on their neighbors. Pumpkins are usually hollowed out and carved, resembling faces.
The Chinese Festival of the Autumn Moon is observed on the fifteenth day of the eighth month according to the Chinese lunar calendar. Like the majority of fall festivals, it is celebrated as a holiday of light. Small round rice cakes, symbolizing full moon are considered to be traditional food of the festival. Apart from their symbolic resemblance, rice cakes also have historical significance, being used to hide messages during Mongol invasion. The popularity of Chinese Festival of the Autumn Moon has resulted in its establishment as a public holiday in some parts of the country. Together with other Chinese fall festivals, it embodies the legends, mythology and folklore of the Chinese culture. However, opinions differ as to the origin of the festival with many historians pointing out to different versions.