Celebrating Creativity and Community at the Annual Harvest Festival

For the third year in a row, members of the High School Leadership class, led by Stacey Preach, hosted the Sequoia Grove Harvest Festival. As in previous years, this year’s festival included a trunk-or-treat and was followed by a High School Dance. New this year was the Middle School Hangout, making for a full day of activities and fun for students of all ages.

Steadily increasing in size, this year’s event welcomed 314 attendees, 25 themed trunks and activity stations, and a taco tent. Students, parents, and even staff members dressed up as astronauts, pirates, superheroes, and ninjas. There was no shortage of ingenuity and well-made do-it-yourself costumes including Peter Pan, Bill Cypher, and a Number 2 pencil.

Taking creativity up a notch this year, the Assessment Team showed up as Rock, Paper, Scissors, adding a fun twist. At their booth, “Kids could challenge one of us to a few rounds of rock, paper, scissors, then take a shot (or 5) into a giant basketball hoop,” explained Stacy Close, director of the Assessment Team, who was dressed as scissors. “It was very fun with lots of participants and cheering bystanders.”

Meanwhile, the Sequoia Studio teachers made their mark with two art-themed booths. Dressed as a director, a Hollywood star, a painter, and the iconic Mona Lisa, they passed out art supplies to eager festival-goers, inspiring everyone to explore their artistic side. These trunks became popular stops, sparking interest in the arts and our brand-new TK-8th grade art program.

The magic of the booths didn’t stop there, however. When students were asked about their favorite part of the festival, the booths and activities took first place. Sophia, a 7th-grader, told us that “decorating a wand at the wand booth” was her favorite activity. Long lines at the steer roping station, football toss, rock painting, and stuffed animal medic tent were clear signs of just how popular the booths were among this year’s guests.

Keeping the party going for our older students long after the little ones tired out and headed home, this year’s festival also featured the highly anticipated Middle School Hangout and High School Dance. The Middle School Hangout, with 48 students in attendance, was a hit with games, snacks, and music. Over at the High School Dance, 60 students took to the floor for an afternoon of dancing, games, festive treats, and a photo booth. 

While some students dressed in costume, others opted for a more casual look. Both after-festival activities provided a perfect opportunity for our 6th-12th graders to connect and catch up with homeschool friends they’ve met in virtual classes, field trips, and other school-wide events.

As the day came to a close, it was clear that the Sequoia Grove Harvest Festival wasn’t just about the fun and games—it was about the community coming together. From the spirited booths to the lively after-festival activities, students, parents, and staff all felt the connection, celebrating the season together and united through the power of homeschooling. It’s no wonder the Harvest Festival continues to grow, becoming one of the most anticipated events bringing everyone together year after year.