The Minden Recreation Center’s annual Fall Harvest Festival drew hundreds of attendees on October 31 for an evening of family fun, food, and Halloween excitement.
The free community event featured food and drinks for children, a costume contest, candy and activities, vendor games, bounce houses, and a haunted house that filled the basketball court and extended through the locker rooms. The maze-style attraction included animated characters that lit up, jumped, and spoke as visitors passed by, drawing long lines of thrill-seekers throughout the night.
“This year’s Minden Rec Fall Festival was a great success! Our attendance increased compared to last year, with an estimated 433 people participating,” said Minden Parks and Recreation Director Zita Williams.
Williams said the haunted house was the main attraction, generating $600 in admission fees — more than double last year’s $265. The proceeds will be used to purchase additional supplies for next year’s festival.
Although some food vendors canceled at the last minute, those who participated reported strong sales. Williams noted that the bounce houses were also a favorite among children.
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the local businesses and community members who contributed to the success of our event,” Williams said.
She added that in addition to providing a night of fun, the festival encouraged both mental and physical activity while fostering social interaction among community members.
“This event truly reflects our mission at the REC — to provide an excellent opportunity for our community to come together and create a safe, organized, and enjoyable atmosphere for our children.”
