This October, the O’Dowd community welcomed back on of its most popular annual traditions, the Harvest Festival. Organized by the dedicated Eco Leaders and Creation Care Team, this year’s festival had many activities that engaged all age groups in celebration of nature’s bounty and communal bonds.

A petting zoo at the Living Lab provided an opportunity for visitors to connect with furry and feathered friends, featuring the beloved community chicken, Megatron. The Chicken Tenders, members of the animal care club, guided younger children in petting and greeting the animals, along with leading a chicken themed pumpkin carving contest.

The Eco Leaders, one of O’Dowd’s eight leadership teams, orchestrated interactive booths and activities that ranged from face painting, to a lively costume contest, to ever-popular pumpkin carving. Physics teacher, Ian Allen, showcased his artistic prowess by carving the school’s Dragon logo into a pumpkin grown in the Living Lab.

In a new addition to this year’s festivities, Campus Ministry hosted a campfire activity where students and community members could partake in roasting their own s’mores. Ryan Dilag, Campus Ministry Director, highlighted the collaborative spirit, stating, “In the spirit of collaboration and ‘kinship,’ Campus Ministry Team partners with Eco Leaders on Feast of St. Francis Assembly and the Easter Prayer Service. Both of these all-school events are new to O’Dowd, and we are very excited to continue uplifting the intersection of spirituality and creation!”

As the festivities reached their crescendo, the Creation Care Team organized a raffle, offering four dozen sets of eggs and a bundle of Living Lab produce to the lucky winners. Since its revival in 2018, the Harvest Festival has established itself as a beloved O’Dowd tradition, which students and staff anticipate as a favorite fall tradition.