Celebrating Fall at Pumpkin Patch and Packerween

Packer’s beloved annual community fall festival Pumpkin Patch came roaring back to life after a two-year hiatus thanks to the incredible efforts and collaboration of the Parent Association, the many faculty and staff who worked the event, and a bevy of generous student and parent volunteers. Hundreds of kids and their families gathered on a perfect fall day in October to play, eat, make art, read, and celebrate the season together.

As always, the campus underwent a considerable transformation ahead of the event, with classrooms morphing into haunted house labyrinths and the Garden packed with games, crafts, Packer merch, and delicious treats and prizes. Meanwhile, Livingston Street became a temporary amusement park, with rides, a climbing wall, and a bounce house bootcamp. Costumed ghosts and goblins seeking a quieter time headed inside to the story tent by the Commons to hear faculty and staff read spooky tales in a cozy nook.

After all of the challenges of the pandemic, it was a pleasure to see so many members of the Packer community connecting and making memories together in person. The event was a welcome return of a wonderful Packer tradition, and the perfect excuse to kick-off “Packerween” a day early.

The celebration spilled over into Monday, October 31, when Lower and Middle School Students marched around the Garden for a festive parade that culminated with a dance party. Whether you were judging the Upper School pumpkin decorating contest or simply strolling costume-packed hallways, it was easy to see why we attest that “joy” is one of Packer’s core values.