Harvest Festival Celebrates Fall with Fun and Flavor
October 14, 2023 - Zack Funk
The Green Valley congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints held their Harvest Festival last Saturday. It was a joyous gathering that brought together 125 members of the community for an evening of festive activities and culinary delights. Attendees of all ages enjoyed the event filled with games, delicious food, and good old-fashioned fun.
The pavilion at the Cameron Park building was transformed into a lively hub of activity, as families and friends gathered to celebrate the changing of seasons and partake in the festive spirit. With clear skies and perfect weather, the event offered a perfect backdrop for the festivities.
The giant Connect Four game was a hit, with children and adults engaged in friendly competitions. Meanwhile, the face painting station transformed young faces into colorful works of art, leaving kids beaming with joy.
The favorite for kids of all ages was a hayride around the church's parking lot. Families hopped on the trailer, sat on haybails, and enjoyed the adventurous ride through the parking lot.
One of the highlights of the festival was the highly competitive food contests. There were eleven entrants to the chili contest. Crock pots were labeled with a number and judges had the delicious task of picking a favorite. After some debate, Dana Ward's classic chili reigned supreme. Part of the award winning recipe was grass-fed ground beef and fresh tomatores. But her secret ingredient of chili lime seasoning added a unique twist to the traditional dish. The flavors danced on the taste buds, and attendees eagerly went back for seconds and thirds.
The final competition of the evening was the pie contest. Jenna Trapani took home the blue ribbon for her mouthwatering pecan pie, a delectable treat that stood out from the rest. When prompted about her secret recipe - she happily shared a few tips. She browns the butter and also uses a splash of vinegar in the mix to really bring out the flavor. Jenna's pecan pie was not only a favorite among the judges, but a true crowd-pleaser.
The Green Valley Harvest Festival was not only a time to revel in the season's bounty but also an opportunity for the community to come together and strengthen their bonds. As the day came to a close, attendees left with full hearts and full stomachs, eager to return for next year's celebration.