Harvest Festival 2021

Back in action!

The Harvest Fest came back this year, and boy, have we missed it! Thanks to increased vaccination and testing rates for COVID-19, the ARK of St. Sabina was able to bring back the annual Harvest Fest safely indoors. On Sunday, October 31, the ARK’s gymnasium was filled with community residents, current ARK participants, and even former ARK participants. Everyone was excited to see what this year’s festivities would bring. Twelve game stations were set up for their enjoyment each manned by an ARK staff member or volunteer. Games centered around the harvest theme including Pumpkin Bowling and Pin the Tail on the Pumpkin with other classics like Cat in the Hat, Ring Toss, and Face Painting. At each station, volunteers awarded youth with a ticket for them to go to the Prize Table and choose from over 200 prizes available. Youth were overwhelmed with choices ranging from baby dolls and Barbies, the infamous Pop-Its, footballs, teddy bears, art kits, lip gloss, phone cases, remote control cars, and so much more. They were sure to find at least one prize that called their name!

We were so happy to have Mr. Scott join us during the last hour of the Harvest Fest to put on a bubble show that had each kids’ eyes wide with wonder. He created shapes and sizes with bubbles that the kids have not seen before. They yelled with joy at each creation. At the end of the show, Mr. Scott allowed many of the kids to stand on a prop as he created a large bubble around them. Everyone was excited to be part of it.

Food was also available in the Noah Room for all guests, and each youth participant was provided with a candy bag as they left. And of course, we can’t forget the costumes! Some were dressed as the amazing Spike Lee, while others decided to dress up as Chicago Bears football players, and more. There were unicorns who made you smile and superheroes like Spiderman and Batman who you knew would step in to save the day. Whoever they were, they all had smiles as they walked across the gym playing games, winning prizes, and having fun. In total, 512 people attended this mask-friendly event, and it was a safe, fun, great afternoon for the Auburn Gresham community.