The Labor Day weekend is the traditional end of the summer tourist season in Red River, the last busy weekend for visitors to enjoy the mountain weather and the joys of the forest. The 9th month in the Julian and Gregorian calendars also marks the beginning of the fall season, formerly known as “offseason.”

It is widely accepted that the off-season has gotten shorter in the last few years. With an increase in visitor traffic, it became “shoulder season” in the mid-90s and, over the past 20 years, has evolved into a fall season. While not as busy as summer, there are still enough visitors to the high country to see restaurants, retail shops, and lodges remain open to accommodate the traffic.

Fall features two major outdoor festivals in Red River that attract visitors. Aspencade Arts Festival (September 25-27) has been a regular event for more than 50 years, while the Red River Oktoberfest (October 9-11) began in 2005, organized by the Red River Chamber of Commerce.

One of the most cherished September events, however, for the past 32 years, is Mountain High Camp, set for September 13-17 this year. Beginning in 1994 with just a handful of campers, their parents, volunteers from Faith Mountain Fellowship Church, and staff members from the Baylor Institute for Rehabilitation Hospital in Dallas, TX, Mountain High was created to put a little fun into the lives of adults recovering from serious brain injuries, and to give everyone involved a little R&R from the flatland heat.

From just a few activities that first year, the camp has grown to include more campers and more activities, including a Hoedown kickoff, a very popular talent show, and plenty of live music, including the special Barn Dance on Tuesday night at the Red River Conference Center. Daytime activities include fishing, sightseeing, jeep tours, mountaintop picnics, games, shopping, and special visits to the Little Red School House Museum.

Meals are provided at Faith Mountain by a legion of dedicated volunteers and Faith Mountain parishioners who make the camp run smoothly. Some volunteers have been involved since the first camp, and many have been a part of the activities for over a decade. New volunteers are always welcome and greatly appreciated.