A lot of public events used to come and go through the city over the course of each year: road races, music festivals, family events … you name it.

Then came the pandemic and we pretty much went without all of it for a while. But as we slowly make our way back to some degree of normalcy, a few of our favorite outdoor events are poised to make a comeback.

This weekend will mark the return of Somerstreets, Strike up the Bands. And the “What the Fluff?” festival (www.flufffestival.com) hits Union Square once again, September 22-26, an event that has grown in the hearts of so many here.

What is it though about the celebration of this sticky, sweet and gooey confection that kindles a spot of warmth in so many of our hearts? Is it the generally whacky nature of the event itself? The overall tongue-in-cheek nature of each event within the event?

It is certainly a unique affair, with a rich history and heritage that sparks the imagination and brings out the kid in all of us.

The timing of it may have some influence on our affection towards it. As we bid farewell to the summer months and ring in the beginning of autumn, we may view the festivities as a last hurrah of the high season. One last fling in the warmth of the sun as we gently roll along towards the darker days of winter.

Whatever mysterious forces may exist that compel us to smear, spread, consume or bathe in the stuff, most of us have a real good time at it. So let’s be grateful for this small step towards normalcy, however whacky it may be.