If you're a foodie, this time of year doesn't disappoint

Fall is finally on the horizon, although the humidity out there is still intense. But fall brings many of our favorite things to look forward to - gatherings with friends and family, local football rivalry games, anticipation of the holidays coming up, sweater weather ... and food!

There's no shortage of food-related outings this time of year, many of them fundraising events for local organizations, which makes the enjoyment of all those favorite dishes even better.

In this issue of The Sumter Item Impact, we preview a few beloved annual events in our community, including Fall Feast, which benefits Sumter Green. As we wrote about in last month's edition, the organization whose mission is to beautify our county is celebrating 30 years this year, and this annual event serves as a fundraiser to keep that mission alive.

We also share about this year's Porches of Sumter, hosted by Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce and presented by Tandem Health and FTC, which is a popular event held each year in our historic district downtown. If you've never been, you're in for a fall treat. Stroll from house to house downtown while enjoying special bites and drinks at each one, courtesy of local businesses and chefs. Last year was my first time going, and one house had a fire pit with s'mores ingredients arrayed for the choosing. I learned that day that a Hershey's Cookies and Cream bar makes for one fantastic s'more. It was perfect on a cool night right ahead of Halloween. And speaking of the holiday, one stop along the way displayed skeletons enjoying some fresh air atop a vehicle in the driveway for everyone to see. It's just a fun time out with whoever you like to spend time with, so get your tickets soon.

We also take a look back at our own Pizza Lane, which has been in business for decades and was recently remodeled. It's still serving the pizza that Sumterites know and love, along with a delicious pizza buffet.

There are also plenty more events to choose from this month and next, so check out our events list and find something for your family to enjoy this fall. From 2nd annual First Responders BBQ Cookoff & Car/Truck Show to the annual Oktoberfest, there will be a lot going on. We may see you out there!