Valparaiso Events held its annual Fall Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 15, and to say it was a success would be an understatement. Hundreds of people came out to take part in the day of fun, and not a single person wore a frown. Parents and children alike had a great time painting mini pumpkins, getting their faces painted, and playing yard games all while sipping on some delicious apple cider--it was truly a day you didn’t want to miss.
“We just love being able to give people in our community something fun to do and a way to spend time with their families,” said Katie Abel, Executive Director of Valparaiso Events.
Not only was the festival a great way for families to come out and have some fun, but it was also a great way for people to give back to their community. Valparaiso Events held a raffle and placed donation boxes at the pumpkin painting and face painting booths.
“All the money we will collect will fund local scholarships. So, the money will ultimately go back into the hands of a student pursuing college. It’s really important to us that we give back in that way,” said Abel.
Tons of different community organizations came out to help with the festivities. Valparaiso High School’s orchestra, band, and varsity singers put on a wonderful performance for everyone, while the school’s National Honors Society and Vikettes volunteered at the pumpkin painting and face painting booths.
Seeing so many different people in the community come together to make something special happen is Abel’s favorite part of holding events like this.
“I just love that all those different entities, especially the students in our community, come out and support this and lend their time to it,” said Abel.
The Valparaiso Events team is incredibly grateful to all of the sponsors and volunteers who helped make the day possible.
Currie Motors, Indiana National Guard, Hilltop Neighborhood House, Valparaiso Democratic Committee, Grieger's Motors, Paul Sur Buick GMC, General Insurance Services, HealthLinc, Purdue University Northwest, and Stevenson Fairchild and Surber OMS all came through to help make the event a success. Not to mention, the Century 21 crew donated hundreds of mini pumpkins for the pumpkin painting--the day truly wouldn’t have been the same without their generosity.
Valparaiso Events is also grateful for getting the opportunity to work with the Valpo Parks team, who held the Valparaiso Market in conjunction with all the fun festivities.
“Big thanks to Valpo Parks for putting on a great market season and letting us partner with them and host this event in conjunction with them,” said Abel.
The Valparaiso Fall Harvest Festival was ultimately a wonderful way for families to celebrate the beauty of this year’s fall together--next year’s festival is sure to be even greater!
If you’d like to stay in the fall spirit, be sure to check out Valparaiso Events’ upcoming first-ever autumn promenade event on November 12. Ticket holders will get to explore over 20 downtown locations and receive some fun, fall-themed treats! Also, for all the people gearing up for Christmas, you’ll want to check out the Holly Days event the first weekend of December. There will be hundreds of Christmas lights, caroling, pictures with Santa, live ice sculpture carving, and so much more!
To learn more about Valparaiso Events and its passion to bring the community together through fun, visit https://www.valparaisoevents.com/.