WAITSFIELD, Vt. (AP) – They got their crystal balls out in Vermont’s Mad River Valley and determined that Tuesday, Oct. 5, will be “peak day” for fall foliage, with 8:37 a.m. chosen as the precise moment for a collective oohing and aahing over the maples, beeches, birches and other colorful trees.

The locals acknowledge the silliness of their declaration while simultaneously reveling in it. They’ll be counting down the days and hours, and a local radio station will provide live coverage of the presumed moment of autumnal perfection.

“Peak foliage is a very subjective thing, but the fickleness of the foliage shouldn’t stop us from putting a line in the sand,” said Susan Roy, who runs the local chamber of commerce. “We expect the hills to be full of color from mid-September through mid-October. We’ve just chosen Peak Day as a day to celebrate.”

For information on visiting the area, go to www.madrivervalley.com or call (800) 82-VISIT.