by Terri Bahne

     The Fall Festival in Leon on Oct. 4 began drearily - dark, rain-filled and cold. The parade was cancelled due to the inclement weather, as was the "bloody battle of Gettysburg," a would-have-been reenactment of the charge across the "Wheatfield." For those few who did "weather the storm," there was enough to relish in this historic little blink-of-an-eye town.

     If you were looking for tasty food, Wendi's was serving up chicken dinners. Hot cider, coffee, donuts, chili, hot dogs, as well as a variety of baked goods could be found in the Historical Society or the fire hall.

     And speaking of the fire hall, that was where you could find a barrage of home-made crafts as well as Mush and his friends (from Reptile Adoption, Rehabilitation and Education, Inc.). If you were looking for something a little wilder, JNK's Call of the Wild Sanctuary offered visitors a look at a lively tiger and a playful cub. A conservation display educated others through previously living animals.

     If becoming educated with the history of Leon interested you, the upper level of the LHS Museum had a vast array of vintage artifacts to view from clothing to farm tools.

     There was even a huge map of Cattaraugus County that, at one time, put the names of the residents on it.

     Possibly the highlight of the day was the wedding of Bobbi Anne Earle and Maj. Jim Baker. Civil War re-enactors and members of the Historical Society, they decided to tie the knot in 1890s style and apparel with their friends and families following suit. Abraham Lincoln (aka Jeff Bloomquist) was on hand to extend his congratulations to the couple (although feeling slightly out of place at a Confederate function).

     When asked how he met his bride-to-be, Baker explained in a slow, Southern drawl, "I saw a green meteorite in the sky." He added that it was undocumented but believed it to be a sign that they belonged together. Another sign, Baker continued, that Earle confirmed, was the flying of a white dove across the back yard after Baker proposed.

     The most important thing, Baker believes, is that there are "too many folks trying to sweep our heritage under the carpet nowadays," and he wants to "present the time [period] the way it was" ... to be a living historian.

     The newlyweds will be traveling to Nashville, TN, the Grand Old Opry and Mississippi for their honeymoon.

     A reception was held behind the bride's home under tents as the guests dodged the raindrops. And although the breaks in the clouds were few and far between, no rain could dampen the spirit of those attending, intent on celebrating the "union" of two people with such rich pasts.

     Bloomquist, a re-enactor himself for the past 17 years, was unable to give his Gettysburg Address at the cemetery, but is also rich in the knowledge of Lincoln's heritage and political background. He is available for speeches and classroom discussions and can be reached at (716) 487-9962 to set up appointments.

     Although the whole day did not turn out as planned due to the weather, it really just depended on whether you were optimistic or not. You may have needed to seek the silver lining in the clouds.