While some families stayed warm and cozy in their houses on October 18, others enjoyed their evening by spending it at the Haven Hollow Fest in South Haven.
The Haven Hollow Fest is a new event this year at Haven Hollow Park, where children twelve and under could enjoy many outdoor fall-related activities for no cost at all.
The fest was put on by the Portage Township Department of Parks and Recreation.
This year, there were many different activities set up for the children to participate in. Children could roast marshmallows, make s’mores and drink hot cocoa while enjoying the warmth of a bonfire, set up by the fire department. If they stayed around the fire long enough, they might even catch a scary story or two, during the story telling time at 8:00.
Kids could enjoy a hay ride led by horses that went through the park. If they grew hungry, they could stop and get a free hot dog and a bag of chips or even some apple cider, which was offered either hot or cold.
There were games set up for the children to play, for example a game much like “Bozo Buckets” where balls were thrown into buckets, each bucket getting farther from the player. There were also games like the ‘Sucker Pull’ game and ring toss.
Kids were able to decorate a small sized pumpkin with different stick-on decorations and make other crafts. There was also face painting available. There was a dance floor with music set up for the fest-goers to bust a move on. Next to the dance floor there were hay bales set up where families could strike a pose for a free picture to remember their night.
Kids could parade around and show off their unique costumes in the costume parade at 6:30. There was also a scavenger hunt at 7.
<p>According to Department Superintendent Joy Lundstrom, The Portage Department of Parks and Recreation plans on making this event an annual one, with plans to add much more to it next year.
“We’re a neighborhood park that’s growing and developing and the neighborhood is receiving those changes and improvements well, so we want to continue to keep giving back to our local community,” Lundstrom said.
They want to add a second hay ride to avoid long lines and long wait times for people trying to ride. They also hope to get the word out better and have more businesses want to set up activities for the kids.
According to a family enjoying themselves at the fest, they would definitely come back next year.
“I think it’s nice. I’ve lived in South Haven for a long time and this is the first year that I remember something like this being offered. I’m very excited that someone told us about it,” fest-goer Jessica Scott said.
One thing she believes would improve the fest for next year is another horse and carriage to help solve the problems of long lines in the cold.