Harvest Fest 2024

On Thursday, October 31st, SEI hosted its 20th annual Harvest Fest. Joined by over 2,600 people, SEI continued its celebration of Harvest Fest by handing out over 1,125 pounds of candy and even more glimmering smiles.

Candy, Tarps, and Leadership Kids

Harvest Fest began over 20 years ago with bags of candy, tarps and leadership students. The tradition was created to honor the Pamplin Fellows and upheld by leadership kids who wanted to celebrate Halloween in a safe way. It began with tarps being used to create mazes, departments using classrooms to host various activities and using the auditorium for the famous attraction — the haunted house. 

As years went on, Harvest Fest gained a new meaning: Giving all a space for a fun and memorable Halloween. The celebration began including teenagers and adults, ensuring that anyone who wanted to celebrate Halloween had a place to do it in. People who participated got to enjoy the same traditions as before, but now with even more loved ones alongside them. 

Community Today

What began as a tradition funded by a candy bag from each staff member has turned into a celebration that is locally known. This year alone, Harvest Fest garnered over 2,600 community members. From 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM, people of all ages got to enjoy a dry, warm evening full of activities and treats. Each room in the agency was decorated to display a Disney movie while staff members spread joy in their favorite costumes. 

“Harvest Fest is one of the most important events that we do here. It presents an opportunity for us to bring community back home, back to our center,” shares SEI CEO, Trent Aldridge. “It provides a safe alternative for our students, families and community. And it’s a way for us to show some love to one another, add a little positivity into our world.” 

Join us in next year’s Harvest Fest for an evening full of sweet treats and joy! Follow us on the Gram and watch our recap here!