On Sat, Oct. 27, the Kingsbrooke Community in Bristow held a Fall Festival and Haunt Jaunt fun run, which brought neighbors together for Halloween-themed family activities and supported Kingsbrooke businesses. The day began at 8 a.m. with a one-mile run for children and adults.
The Ricks family came out for the Haunt Jaunt, but stayed for some shopping and kids activities, like pumpkin painting. And although they received Haunt-Jaunt t-shirts, father Dan Ricks wore his “nerd” costume that included thick-rimmed classes with tape down the middle and a pocket protector with the symbol for Pi on it.
“We thought it would be fun to come out as a family,” said Ricks. “It was Mom’s idea. For Ryan (the youngest child), it gives him another chance to wear his costume,” said Ricks.
However, the Glasgow family may have one-up on the Ricks, since all four family members, three friends and Maggie, the family dog, all dressed in costume for the Haunt Jaunt.
After the race, Grizzlies’ football player, Andrew Glasgow, said the race was just his speed.
“I came in fifth,” said Andrew. “I’ve done two one-mile runs before. One for the Grizzlies.” Andrew said he’s also competed in a 5K-bicycle race. However, Andrew’s teammate Connor Lutkenhouse implied he would have preferred something more challenging.
“I’ve done three 5Ks. This is my second one-mile,” said Connor, who came in fourth in the Haunt Jaunt.
After the jaunt, runners shopped at local vendors stations.
Jolie Fille Evie made its vendor fair debut at Kingsbrooke, selling brightly colored printed accessories that included ribbons, blankets, key-chains and change purses.
“I sew everything,” said company founder Michelle Randolph. “This is the first time I’ve tried selling (at a vendor fair). Usually I sew for family and friends.”
Jennifer Mallon of Thirty-One Gifts praised her company for the opportunities it has allotted her in direct sales.
“It’s nice. You do it as much or as little as you like. And I love the products,” said Mallon.
As the day progressed, more people came to check out vendors and activities around the same time the costume parade began at 2 p.m.
“We had twenty vendors set up booths and a constant flow of traffic throughout the day. I spoke with many folks and heard a lot of positive feedback,” said Jennifer Danis, chair member of the Kingsbrooke HOA and coordinator of the Fall Festival. “Many people have asked that we continue the event in coming years.”
And according to Danis, the Kingsbrooke HOA board is already on board for next year’s fall event. However, rather than just repeating this year's successes, they intend on expanding on the event to offer more kid-focused activities, more vendors and a longer run.
Kid activities might include bouncy castles, the one-mile run would become a 5K and vendors and vendors outside of Kingsbrooke would be invited, although residents would receive first consideration.
Overall, Danis said, the event “was a great success.” Specifically, it furthered the board’s goal of providing more family friendly events in Kingsbrooke.
“We have a great community, yet we have not had many events to bring our neighbors together,” Danis said. However, she feels the Fall Festival was a “solid step” in the direction of “creating a lasting tradition that residents can look forward to each fall.”
With the proceeds they raised from the fun run and vendor fees, there were also able to meet their other goal of providing a generous donation to SERVE, the Manassas-based nonprofit that feeds the hungry in Prince William and surrounding cities.
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