by Taylor Childs
Bonfires are one of the best ways to enjoy the great outdoors. The weather is cooling down as fall approaches and around a bonfire is the place to be.
Besides enjoying the outdoors, bonfires are a fun and environmentally friendly activity. They can also be used to raise money for any organization. From churches, youth groups, clubs and even family gatherings, many people partake in the fall time favorite.
There are many enjoyable activities and games that can be done around a bonfire. Singing songs would be perfect for students in choir, and telling spooky stories would be great for those with a love of literature.
Sports like football, soccer or volleyball could be played. Hide and seek and flashlight tag are old but still good. There’s also the new trend of star-tripping.
“Star tripping is when you’re, like, spinning in a circle, and then you fall on the ground and look at the sky,” junior Eric Johnson said.
Remember to keep warm though, as the autumn air can be nippy. Always bring a sweatshirt or a sweater along with you. If not, snuggling around the fire is always an acceptable option.
Snacks are a necessity for the hungry teen. Roasting marshmallows is always required around a bonfire, along with chocolate and graham crackers. Snaking is a favorite activity of many.
“Eat food… duh,” sophomore Taylor Janneck said.
Keeping safe should be top priority. Calling ahead of time to let the fire department know of your bonfire would help lessen false alarms.
According to the Mooresville Fire Department, fires should be no more than three feet in diameter and height. All fires should be at least 15 feet away from a structure.
Only burn natural objects and no man made materials. Remember to check the weather, and always keep a water source available at all times.
