2nd Annual Healthy Harvest Fest in Montclair

Fourth Ward Councilor Renee Baskerville and the Fourth Ward Collaborative announce the second annual Healthy Heritage Harvest (H3) Parade and Fest which will take place on Friday, October 31, 6:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m., in the Montclair Neighborhood Development Corporation headquarters, located at 11 Pine Street, Montclair.

The H3 event will offer music, games, storytelling, dancing, crafts and a visit to Fire Headquarters for youngsters. Those who want to come in costume are encouraged to wear outfits that reflect the richness and diversity of the community’s culture.

There will also be a parade of stars with children divided into age groups to show off their costumes and plans are in the works for a festive spread of wonderful food.

“This year promises to be larger and more exciting than our inaugural event,” said Councilor Baskerville. “Our goal remains the same – to provide children and families with a smarter, safer, healthier, more fun and meaningful alternative to traditional Halloween customs.”

Each child will be treated to a bag of healthful snack options and a packet of seeds to plant for next year’s harvest.

Adults will be offered the benefit of speaking with local health providers, a nutritionist, fitness experts and other health and human needs service providers who promote a healthful life-style.

“The Harvest Fest falls on Halloween night this year, which makes it all the more important that we encourage families to attend as an alternative to trick-or-treating,” said Councilor Baskerville. “Not only will our children benefit from a much more safe and healthful event, families will have a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a fun evening together with their neighbors and friends.”

For more information or to find out how you can help with the H3 Parade and Festival event, email Councilor Baskerville at rbaskerville@montclairnjusa.org

Photo: Children in costume visit Fire HQ during 2013 Harvest Fest. Photo courtesy of Councilor Renee Baskerville.

H3 2014 event partners are:

• MNDC
• Montclair Grass Roots
• Montclair Sentinels
• PAL
• Montclair Fire Department
• Representatives from Montclair Public Schools
• Montclair Township
• Eureka Lodge
• MEA
• Pride in Public Education
• Families and Schools 2gether
• Brothers to Brother
• Sisters to Sister
• Succeed Together
• MFEE
• Katherine Curry of Sam Allen Realty
• Montclair NAACP
• Schlaeffer Masonry
• Montclair Public Library (Matilda Williams; Story-Telling)
• Mary Z
• Montclair Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta and Delta Gems
• Davis Chiropractic and Wellness Center
• MCAS
• Montclair Cobras
• Montclair Bulldogs
• MHS Football Team and Cheerleader volunteers
• Frog Hallow Neighborhood Association
• Ascend Physical Therapy
• AARP
• MHS Civics and Justice Institute
• The Pinnacle Foundation
• SOFIA
• Montclair Grass Roots
• Montclairion Associates, Richard Polton, GP
• HackensackUNC/Mountainside
• Montclair Grass Roots

Friends of H3 include:

• Ernestine Johnson
• Michelle Fine
• Marcia Brewington
• Deputy Mayor Bob Russo
• Marybeth Rosenthal
• Alicia and Chad Riley
• Jon and Sydney Simon
• Councilor Robin Schlager