You take a moment to familiarize yourself with the schedule, then turn your attention over to the stage as the crowd grows silent.

Then, Hoofingold walks on stage, accompanied by his wife Autumn Skies, and his daughters Leaf Chaser, Autumn Gold, and Lucky Smith. You spot Sapphire Kite standing some distance away, flanked by two security guards, and keeping a watchful eye over the area.

Hoofingold takes a step forward, and begins to address the full town square.

Hoofingold: "Greetings, everypony, and welcome to Hoofington's annual Autumn Festival!"

The crowd cheers in response, and the stallion waits for it to quieten a bit before continuing.

Hoofingold: "It warms my heart to see so many new and returning faces this year. I dare say, this is our biggest festival yet!

For those of you who are not familiar, I am Hoofingold, the mayor of this charming little town. It feels like it was only yesterday that I built the first cabin on this side of the Everfree Forest.

Oh yes, drawn by the tales of enchanted woodlands and boundless resources, I brought an expedition team here to survey the land. Then, our team began to grow, and one cabin became two. Then the cabins became houses, and our paths became roads!

And now, some thirty years later, we've got ourselves a full-blown community with all kinds of ponies, from farmers to adventurers, lumberjacks to librarians, and some of the region's best craftsponies as well!

Ahh, this town is like a second family to me. And that's why every year, on the day it was founded, we all celebrate what makes Hoofington so special: its residents!"

The crowd cheers once again, somewhat more briefly this time around.

Hoofingold: "It sounds like you're all eager to get started! But before you do, I have one last announcement: Princess Celestia will be joining us at noon, so be on your best behaviour, everypony! Ho ho!

Thank you, and enjoy the festivities!"

After one last round of cheering, ponies slowly begin to disperse in every direction. A group of three musicians replace the Autumn family on stage, and soon, the air is filled with the shakes and beats of a tambourine, and the jaunty duet of a lute and a tin whistle.

As the festival comes to life, you turn to your friends, and ask them where they would like to go first.

Moonflower: "Ooh, I dunno! I'm kinda curious about the animals. And I definitely wanna do the boat race later. But this music's kinda cool, too!"

Apple Basket: "It sure is groovy! I think I'd like to try my hoof at makin' a lucky horseshoe sometime today."

Dawn Break: "As for us, we haven't had a proper breakfast yet, so we'll start with the buffet."

• To the north is: Scarf Knitting, Carpenter's Workshop, Games & Prizes, and Souvenir Shops.
• To the east is: Glassblower's Workshop, Weaver's Workshop, and Enchanter's Workshop.
• To the west is: Confectioner's Workshop, Farrier's Workshop, Open Buffet, Apple Orchard, and Animal Farm.