A fun-filled Fall Festival

Tech. Sgt. Jeff Morris, 5th Contracting Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of Construction Flight, helps his daughter Hannah put together a scarecrow during the 15th Annual Fall Festival held at the Exchange parking lot, Sept. 21. Hosted by the 741st Missile Squadron Gravel Hauler’s Association, the event is put together in part as a fundraiser, as well as a way to bring Airmen and their families together in a day of family activities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez)

A fun-filled Fall Festival

Airmen and their families use hay to make scarecrows during the 15th Annual Fall Festival, Sept. 21. Hosted by the 741st Missile Squadron Gravel Hauler’s Association, the event is put together in part as a fundraiser, as well as a way to bring Airmen and their families together in a day of family activities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez)

A fun-filled Fall Festival

Andrea Soto-Hernandez, wife of Staff Sgt. Rufino Soto-Garcia, and her son Emiliano play a duck race game at this year’s 15th Annual Fall Festival, Sept. 21. Hosted by the 741st Missile Squadron Gravel Hauler’s Association, the event is put together in part as a fundraiser, as well as a way to bring Airmen and their families together in a day of family activities. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez)

A fun-filled Fall Festival

Published Sept. 26, 2013
By Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- A sunlit morning gave way to countless smiles from hundreds of children, parents and friends attending this year's 15th Annual Fall Festival held at the Exchange parking lot, Sept. 21.

Hosted by the 741st Missile Squadron Gravel Hauler's Association, the event is put together in part as a fundraiser, as well as a way to bring Airmen and their families together in a day of family activities, said Megan Carter, event coordinator.

The festival has become a tradition at Minot Air Force Base, for it welcomes the start of the fall season, added Carter. Events and activities included face painting, scarecrow making, arts and crafts, a bounce house, as well as many shopping booths and other festival games.
"The Fall Festival is great event held each year where friends and family can spend the day together and enjoy some fun," said Carter.

Adding, events like this aim to boost morale and promote unit cohesion, with this one in particular offering one last "hoorah" before the winter weather hits, added Carter.

The event includes participation from a variety of private organizations and squadrons, to include the 740th MS, 54th Helicopter Squadron, the Minot Enlisted Spouses Club, the Minot Officer Spouses Club and many more.

McGruff, the Crime Dog, and Sparky, the Fire Dog, both made an appearance at the event as well, promoting safety and giving kids a chance to take pictures with them.

With the selection of baked goods and other crafts for sale, the festival also offered some guests the opportunity to show off their specialty skills and creative outlets, Carter said.

There was no shortage of busy attendees at the event as the afternoon gave way to bigger crowds of children and families joining the fun. The constant flow made getting an official count nearly impossible; however, estimates are around 1,000 guests.

Sabrina Mallard, a spouse of a deployed service member, said she and her three children had been looking forward to this year's Fall Festival.

"The kids remembered it from last year, and all three of them were looking forward to this," said Mallard.

With her husband currently serving overseas, Mallard said the event is a nice treat for families and a positive way to start the fall.

"I've talked with other families about what a wonderful thing it is to have the base host activities," said Mallard. "It's always nice to look forward to these events."