September has always marked the return to school... and whether you still have school-aged children or are a life-long learner, take advantage of all the activities our Thousand Trails and Encore RV resorts/campgrounds offer and learn something new this September or participate in an event that you've not experienced before. From pickleball to horseshoes, crafting courses and dance classes, there's plenty of opportunity to learn something new at our fabulous TT and Encore properties.

As school swings back into session, steal some weekend fun at your local apple orchard to stock up on your own bushels of apples to enjoy through the fall. Don't forget to save one for your teacher!

Apple Pie on a Stick Recipe (Great for Kids!)
Ingredients:
1 Jonathan or Rome apple
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon

Preparation:

• Push a stick or dowel through the apple top until the apple is secure on the stick
• Place the apple 2 or 3 inches above the hot coals and turn the apple while roasting it
• As the apple cooks, the skin browns and the juice drips out. When the skin is loose, remove the apple from the fire (but leave it on the stick)
• Peel the hot skin off very carefully
• Combine sugar and cinnamon
• Roll the apple in the sugar-cinnamon mixture, then return it to roast over the coals, letting the mixture heat to form a glaze around the apple
• Remove from coals and let it cool

          Source: www.cdkitchen.com

Q. Why do you give apples to teachers as gifts?
A. Some believe... From the 16th century through the 18th century, parents in various countries paid educators with foods like fruits. During this time, teachers did not receive enough salary to sustain the cost of living. To help them with their basic needs, parents gave their children's teachers potatoes and apples. During these centuries, apples were considered special and expensive because they were difficult to plant, cultivate and harvest. To compensate the efforts of educators and to make them feel special, parents paid them with different varieties of fruit.
What do you think?

Source: www.answers.com

• Place apples gently into basket to prevent bruising, which will cause them to go bad quickly
• Don't wash apples until just before using to prevent spoilage
• Keep apples cool after picking to increase shelf life
• Prevent contact between apples stored for the winter by wrapping them individually in sheets of newspaper. The easiest way to do this is to unfold a section of newspaper all the way and tear it into quarters. Then stack the wrapped apples for storing.

... you may call it cornhole, you may call it something completely different. But whatever you call it, with the start of football season, this popular game will be popping up more and more at tailgate parties across the country. While the story behind the history of this fun pastime varies, many point to the first game being played in 14th century Germany. Stateside, the game became popular in the Midwest in the past century and has taken off lately across the U.S. So pick up a bag and see how many aces (the bag lands on the board) or gushers (four cornholes by a single player in a single round) you can land. To make your own, visit www.cornholehowto.com.

If you're interested in learning the A-Zs of Utah's Zion National Park, add the September TrailBlazer to your reading list. In addition to highlighting this amazing land, we also focus on the plethora of outdoor activities that await if you visit. And, if your RV's electrical system has you puzzled, check out the RV Electrical Primer, also featured in this issue. It's sure to enlighten you! Don't miss out on this one – Subscribe today!

Have one last fling before summer officially comes to a close on September 23. Our preserves may be winding down the summer season, but that doesn't mean the fun comes to an end. And local events focus on harvest time and upcoming fall fun. For a full listing of events, visit TrailBlazerMagazine.net

A trip to sunny California's Ponderosa Preserve puts you in earshot of the 5th American River Music Festival, scheduled for September 16-18. The festival presents the "finest in Americana" in Northern California. Performances and workshops take place at the riverfront main stage, in three riverfront campgrounds, on our guided river hike, our whitewater river trip and hot spots throughout the friendly community of Coloma. This year's performers include James McMurtry, Truth and Salvage, The Band of Heathens, Blame Sally, Ryan Shupe and the RubberBand, Keith Greeninger, Jill Knight, Elliot Randall and the Deadmen, The Brothers Comatose, Ma Muse and many more. Held in Coloma, less than 2 miles from the preserve. For more information call (530) 622-6044.

If you're planning to visit Ohio's Kenisee Lake this month, plan your visit around the Geneva Grape Jamboree, set for September 24-25. Sponsored by the Geneva Grape Jamboree Committee, this event celebrates the harvesting of local grapes. Grand Stand entertainment, grape stomping, parades Saturday and Sunday, rides, Miss Grapette pageant, wine tasting, crafts, grape pies, grape ice cream, and other food concessions pack the downtown streets during this grape-filled weekend. Held at the Intersection of Routes 20 and 534, in Geneva, just 20 minutes from the preserve. For information call (440) 466-5262 or visit www.grapejamboree.com.

Indiana's Indian Lakes is near two events that celebrate the upcoming harvest season. From September 21-24, the Versailles Pumpkin Show includes rides, parade on Saturday, art show, contests, food, and live music. Sponsored by the Versailles Lions Club, the event is held at Courthouse Square in Versailles, just 40 minutes from the preserve. For information call (812) 689-6188. Following that, on September 24-25, the Kiwanis Apple Festival features entertainment, arts and craft vendors, and games. Held in Liberty Park in Batesville, just 10 minutes from preserve. For information call (812) 934-3201.

Congratulations! Our July winner is Ronald Carter from El Cajon, CA Want to be a Lucky Winner? Then Get Out and Camp! Thousand Trails members have the chance to win a $1,000 American Express Gift Card! For terms and conditions please visit ThousandTrails.com

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Did you know that Labor Day, a holiday that began strictly to celebrate the work of trade and labor organizations, has been honored since 1882? Parades were held, followed by amusement for workers that received the day off. At one point, prominent speakers were hosted to motivate the crowds. While this practice isn't common today, the holiday is still honored with more low-key events. Labor Day was initially celebrated on the first Monday of September in order to add a holiday between Independence Day and Thanksgiving. Be sure to take advantage of this great day and end summer with a bang!

Thousand Trails has partnered with a number of popular brands to provide you with exclusive members-only savings. Below you will find our latest special offers available to you. Please log into the member section for additional information.

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