Most American celebrations of the 18th and 19th centuries centered on the agrarian cycle of planting and harvesting. Autumn, the harvest season, brought people together to help gather crops and to trade surplus production for commodities. After the labor-intensive field work of spring and summer ended for the year, food was plentiful and some leisure time was available. With bleak and solitary winter months ahead, people sought one last season of social interaction before roads became impassable and weather too dangerous for travel far from home. Racing took place in autumn after the harvest, and the gatherings were not only galas for gentlemen sportsmen but also major social attractions for the ladies who accompanied them to enjoy balls and other festivities.