Harvest Fest Kicks Off Halloween Celebrations at Birmingham City Hall

Harvest Fest Brings Halloween Fun to Birmingham City Hall

Birmingham, Ala. – Families gathered at Birmingham City Hall for the annual Harvest Fest, a festive and safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. This popular community event returned this year with a bang, offering a variety of activities that ensured fun for children and adults alike.

A Returning Tradition

Harvest Fest is an event that has a rich history in the community, although it took a break for a period of time. Traci Bennett, Deputy Director of the Division of Youth Services, and Alicia Lumpkin, Director of Process Improvement, explained that this year’s celebration was inspired by Mayor Woodfin’s desire to revive the festivity and make it “bigger and better than ever.”

“This year’s theme is a popular movie theme, and we are excited to be out here and have all of the people of Birmingham come out and enjoy Halloween with us,” Lumpkin noted, highlighting the engaging atmosphere the fest aimed to create.

Activities and Attractions

The event featured a wide array of activities for attendees. There were carnival games for children, face painting, and even the chance to interact with animals at a petting zoo. Enthusiastic kids lined up for thrilling inflatable slides and horse rides. The Boutwell parking lot was open throughout the evening, providing free parking for visitors, which made it easier for families to attend the event.

Food enthusiasts were delighted to see more than a dozen food trucks lined up along Park Place, offering various treats that catered to different tastes. As attendees munched on delicious food, they were also entertained by music from the beloved movie “Inside Out,” making the atmosphere truly festive.

Special Guests and Performances

This year’s Harvest Fest was not lacking in special guest appearances either. Players from the UAB football team joined in on the fun, connecting with fans and enjoying the festivities. “Carnival games, trick-or-treating, a lot of inflatable slides. We are looking forward to having a really fun time tonight,” Barnett remarked, speaking about the excitement surrounding the event before the festivities began.

Community Spirit and Safety

Harvest Fest provided a wonderful opportunity for families to come together in a safe environment, where children could enjoy Halloween without the risks associated with wandering for candy in the dark. The event was part of a larger initiative within the city, as each police precinct and public libraries also hosted their own trunk-or-treat events, emphasizing a community-wide effort to celebrate Halloween safely.

Conclusion

The spirit of togetherness, community, and safety was evident at the Harvest Fest, marking it as a highlight of the Halloween season in Birmingham. The city hopes to continue this tradition in the coming years, ensuring that families always have a place to celebrate safely. With the success of this year’s event, Birmingham has set the stage for a cherished Halloween tradition that residents can look forward to for years to come.