BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
Battle Creek Morale, Welfare, and Recreation hosted the annual family-friendly Harvest Fest at Station 66 Oct. 26.
Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center employees, retirees, and their family members enjoyed hayrides, Trunk-or-Treating, a costume contest, yard games, apple cider press demonstration and more.
“The Harvest Fest is such a fun event and I look forward to it each year,” Defense Logistics Agency Installation Management Site Director Bill Jerome said. “It’s a great opportunity to get to know your fellow HDIFC employees outside of the office and even meet some of their family members. The event has something for everyone - whether it’s Station 66’s famous ice cream, hayrides, and even a Zombie Relay Race – there’s a little bit of everything that all will enjoy. Battle Creek MWR does a great job with this event.”
One event component that differs from last year is the Zombie Relay Race, open to both adults and children. Teams of four were challenged to complete the decorated woods course.
“I wanted to make it as kid-friendly as possible, so the route is a bit shorter than a normal race length,” Battle Creek MWR Sports and Fitness Manager Randy Holt said. “I really liked the relay race idea because it fits a race style situation that was more about going through the trails and seeing the decorations. And more engaging on the family side of what was going on for Harvest Fest.”
A group consisting of HDIFC employees, and a retiree performed a flashmob to the German song, ‘Schuttle diene Speck,’ or ‘Shake Your Bacon’ in English, by Peter Fox. The ‘witch dance’ made its appearance to social media in 2016 and quickly gained popularity around the world.
“Sheri Vollmerhausen saw the videos on social media, and thought it would be a fun idea,” DLA Disposition Services Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and flashmob organizer Robin Rogers said. “Since she [Vollmerhausen] recently retired, she reached out to me to organize a group from DLA who would want to participate at the Harvest Fest with her.”
Other flashmob participants included Christina Burke-Hendrix, Martha Kerns and Tina Lilly.
“This year we were unable to have a family day so it’s nice to have this other family event,” Battle Creek MWR Business Manager Steven Gales said. “It gives us the opportunity to bring families together and we [Battle Creek MWR] are excited we have an event we can put together for the families.”
In addition to the games and the relay race, awards were presented to best costume and the best decorated vehicle for Trunk-or-Treat.
For more information about services and rentals, visit Battle Creek MWR.