The Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce’s (TRACC) Fall Color Tour will take place as usual this Sunday, October 11, albeit with some modifications. TRACC Executive Director Christy Trammell said there are some changes to the program due to concerns around the ongoing pandemic. However, a range of fall activities will still be available, maintaining an annual tradition that has been ongoing since the 1950s.

“Yes, COVID has impacted this event, but we are pleased that it will be able to occur,” Trammell said. “Some of the host sites that are traditionally very busy sites have opted to not participate this year as it would not be possible to keep the attendance at a level that is within the CDC guidelines.” Organizers ask participants to respect each “host site’s efforts to practice social distancing and offer a safe event,” Trammell said.

Each year, the Fall Color Tour event features a self-guided driving tour linking sites in the Three Rivers area, the western side of St. Joseph County, and along the eastern edge of Cass County. Planners aim to hold it after leaves have begun changing for the fall, and host sites feature items for sale, fall-themed activities, or both. In addition to the host sites and businesses and TRACC, the event is also hosted by St. Joseph County Parks and the City of Three Rivers.

This year’s participating host sites are listed on the event’s program, which is available at the TRACC website, www.trchamber.com. It is also available on the TRACC Facebook page, and printed paper copies are available at the 57 North Main Street during weekday business hours. “The times vary at the sites,” Trammell said, “but all of the information is listed on the program.” 

As of Thursday afternoon, forecasts for Sunday called for temperatures in the low to mid 70s and partly sunny skies. “The weather will be perfect for this event so we hope people will get out and enjoy it,” Trammell said.

Dave Vago is a writer and columnist for Watershed Voice. A Philadelphia native with roots in Three Rivers, Vago is a planning consultant to history and community development organizations and is the former Executive Director of the Three Rivers DDA/Main Street program.