Pumpkins, Costumes, and Candy: Welches Schools Celebrate Fall

Popcorn popped, balloons bounced, and laughter filled the halls on October 24 as Welches Elementary and Middle Schools held their annual Harvest Festival, one of the schools’ favorite fall traditions.

The day began with each class visiting the indoor “pumpkin patch” to pick the perfect pumpkin. Among the costumes, fairies, pirates, mermaids, and skeletons held their pumpkins proudly for a class photo.

Midday brought the costume parade, led by Principal Kendra Payne. Third-, fourth-, and fifth-graders wound through the elementary halls, waving to classmates in their classrooms, before continuing up to the middle school, where older students gathered to cheer.

Afternoon activities included snacks, Halloween Bingo, and fun with masks in the elementary building, a busy Harvest Carnival with games in the middle school covered area, and a cookie walk and game station in the Multipurpose Room.

The Harvest Carnival featured classic games and new favorites, including Duck Dip, Trick or Toss, and Hay Day. There was even a Fortune Teller. The biggest hit was Hay Day, where students circled piles of hay until the music stopped, then dove in to collect hidden candy. “That was the best ever,” said one slightly out-of-breath student, arms full of candy and dressed head-to-toe in black with kitty ears.

Even a light drizzle didn’t slow down the fun. Covered outdoor spaces kept participants dry, while middle schoolers shot hoops nearby, unfazed by the Oregon weather.

Behind the scenes, parent volunteers ensured everything ran smoothly. Stacie Powell and Taylor Galloway handled all of the planning, coordinating games, treats, and decorations.

“We had some amazing parent volunteers planning the Welches Harvest Festival this year,” said WPTCO President Heather Ostrander. “Stacie Powell and Taylor Galloway really stepped up and planned fun and engaging activities for this year’s festival.”

Ostrander added that strong volunteer involvement is key to the WPTCO’s success. “So far we have had some incredible volunteer turnout this year, and the board is looking forward to finding our next group to carry on the WPTCO. Most of us are in year four on the board and hope to phase in new leadership in the next year or two. It’s been an incredible experience.”

Principal Kendra Payne said the festival continues to thrive thanks to community support. “This event has become such a special part of fall in Welches,” she said. “Our families and the WPTCO make it possible for every K–8 student to enjoy a day of celebration together.”

As the last students headed home and volunteers packed up decorations, the smell of popcorn lingered — a small reminder of a day full of games, costumes, and community spirit at Welches Schools.