A high school volunteer ushers a group of fifth graders onto the outdoor stage for the costume contest, a highlight of the Harvest Festival Oct. 23 sponsored by the Cosumnes River Elementary School PTA.

 

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - An estimated 400 children and adults turned out for the annual Harvest Festival at Cosumnes River Elementary School on Oct. 23, where three new activities joined traditional favorites for an evening of Halloween fun organized by the school's PTA.

The additions included Trunk or Treat, a pumpkin-decorating contest called Pumpkin Palooza, and a silent auction featuring experiences donated by teachers. Returning attractions included the popular costume contest, Haunted Hallway, cakewalk, face painting, and carnival games.

"I believe the Harvest Festival was a hit this year!" said PTA President Christine Walker. "We lucked out with great weather, our volunteers were amazing, and the kids seemed to really enjoy it."

Judges Kirstyn Boll (left) and Michelle Mazzola examine the colorful entries in Pumpkin Palooza, a new pumpkin decorating contest at the Harvest Festival.

Unlike some school events, the festival was not intended to raise money.

"This year, the CRES PTA chose for this not to be a fundraiser," Walker said. "The intent was to bring the families and friends of Cosumnes River Elementary together to kick off the fall season and enjoy time together outside of class."

One of the new attractions, Trunk or Treat, featured vehicles decorated for Halloween, with candy for youngsters. Walker credited Laura McCrary with taking the lead after Michelle Mazzola brought the idea to a PTA board meeting.

"We agreed it would be a fun way to get more families involved and give the kids another activity alongside the harvest games," Walker said.

Costumed youngsters try their luck at the cakewalk, hoping to win one of the treats displayed on the table behind them.

A Peter Pan-themed trunk won the decorating contest.

The Pumpkin Palooza was another new activity, made possible by Davis Ranch, which donated the pumpkins. CRES students received vouchers to pick up their pumpkins at the ranch, then decorated them at home for the contest.

The rules encouraged creativity, whether spooky, silly, cute, or traditional, but prohibited carving. The decorated pumpkins were displayed at the festival, where 10 winners were selected from many entries.

The third addition was a silent auction featuring donations from teachers, offering students opportunities for special experiences with their educators.

Meanwhile, the school's outdoor areas were filled with traditional Harvest Festival activities. Children tested their skills at Halloween-themed carnival games organized by grade-level committees, including a Monster Toss game provided by fourth-grade families. Students and families from first through fifth grades created and operated the other harvest games.

Della Robarts stands her ground in front of the fearsome "Monster Mouth," one of the decorated vehicles featured in the new Trunk or Treat activity.

Transitional kindergarten and kindergarten families managed the cakewalk, while sixth-grade families handled face painting.

Inside the Haunted Hallway, spooky decorations and animatronics provided thrills for visitors. Walker thanked Christopher Holmes for his work with the animatronics and Thomas Xenos for helping with the attraction and continuing to donate Halloween decorations.

Checking out the competition is part of the fun as costumed youngsters await the results of the Harvest Festival costume contest for their grade level.

The costume contest was another highlight, with youngsters taking to the outdoor stage to show off their Halloween outfits.

"I loved seeing all the kids smiling, laughing, and playing in their costumes," Walker said. "My favorite part was watching how proud each kiddo was coming on stage in their costumes."

DJVEEZAY provided music for the evening. The PTA also offered kettle corn, and Ayahz Coffee served specialty drinks.

When Theo Johnson announced that he wanted to dress as his pediatrician for Halloween, his parents rose to the challenge, complete with surgical scrubs, a white coat and a stethoscope.

The Murieta Dance Company Junior Competition Team also performed a routine to “If I Be Wrong,” which will be featured in the company’s annual December recital.

More than 50 volunteers helped make the festival possible, Walker added.

She singled out PTA Vice President Michelle Mazzola, the event coordinator, for the hours she spent planning and organizing the activities.

Kiwanis Club members welcomed guests and operated the popcorn stand, while Evergood Merchandise provided lighting for the evening. Walker thanked Davis Ranch for its pumpkin donation and the parents, students, staff members, and community volunteers who contributed.

"I'd really like to highlight that evenings like this create memories our children will have forever," Walker said. "I am so thankful for the volunteers and staff who help us pull this together year after year."

Charlotte Betzler takes aim at the Monster Toss, one of the carnival games organized by fourth grade families.