Harvest parties can be thrown as an alternative to Halloween celebrations. These parties work well for churches and schools, allowing kids to celebrate the fall season. Planning a harvest party can be simple and inexpensive because many decorations and refreshments can be found in your local grocery store and in your own home.
Step 1
Decorate for the harvest party using fall themed decorations such as square bales of hay, pumpkins and gourds. Bales of hay can be purchased from local farmers for a few dollars, depending on your location. You can sometimes also find them for free by searching your local newspaper or by looking for signs as you drive. Streamers, plates, cups and eat eating utensils and fall colors such as red, orange, yellow and brown will complete the look.
Step 2
Set up games such as bobbing for apples, a beanbag toss, or musical chairs using bales of hay instead of actual chairs. Have kids play ring toss with a pumpkin where are they try to ring the pumpkin with a hula hoop.
Step 3
Serve fall foods such as candied apples, pumpkin bread, hot apple cider and cotton candy. Foods such as sausages served on buns are also appropriate because they reflect the essence of Oktoberfest.
Step 4
Set up activities for the children including a hayride and a visit with farm animals. The party could be held at an actual farm to make this easier, or make arrangements with a local farmer or traveling petting zoo to visit your party. Having animals at the party will also serve as an educational experience for the children. Check your local yellow pages for a traveling petting zoo, or call farms in your area at least six weeks ahead of time. Be sure to check your local ordinances for any restrictions on having animals on your property.
Things You'll Need
- Pumpkins
- Bales of hay
- Apples
- Large bucket of water
- Apple cider
- Fall foods such as candied apples, pumpkin bread and cotton candy
- Hula hoop
- Bean bags
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