Harker held its 64th annual Family and Alumni Picnic at the Blackford campus last Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Students, parents, faculty members and alumni came together to watch student performances, play carnival games and donate to Harker’s Rise to the Challenge initiative. This year’s theme was Harker Harvest Festival, so attendees had the opportunity to buy pumpkins and participate in other fall and Halloween related activities.

Between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m junior varsity dance troupe, Bel Canto, and Downbeat were among the performing arts groups that showcased their talents on the amphitheater stage. The show’s theme was “The Big Game,” and the performances related to sports including special appearances by the Harker cooking staff, Upper School Division Head Butch Keller and Head of School Chris Nikoloff.

Following the Student Show, the Upper, Middle and Lower school jazz bands played throughout the remainder of the picnic. The silent auction, raffle drawing and the Rise to the Challenge announcement closed the afternoon’s festivities.

“I really like the live music going on. It’s very lively and brings a good atmosphere,” Michael Jin (10) said. “Everyone who is here is having a good time, just vibing, listening to the good jazz music, and hanging out with teachers, staff, parents, students, family and friends. I think it’s just a good time for everyone.”

The picnic’s standard carnival games, petting zoo, bounce houses, and train all attracted people but this year’s new additions included food trucks, Laser Tag in the Cafetorium and a 30-foot tandem zipline.

“I think all things considered the turnout has been pretty good, it’s a hot day, and that might turn some people away but it’s great,” Assistant Head of School Greg Lawson said. “I think they have added some things that have created a different atmosphere. The kids seem to be happy, and that’s really the most important thing.”

Many high school students volunteered by working in booths and assisting with setting up activities.

“I am volunteering at the green team booth. This is the first [picnic] I’ve been too, and it actually seems really fun,” Mishi Vachev (12) said. “It’s a good way to get all the Harker families and friends from all the campuses together in a really fun way.”

Harker’s next major fundraising event will be “Night on the Town,” which is set to occur in February.

This piece was originally published in the pages of The Winged Post on October 17, 2014.

Gallery • 8 Photos

Megy Appalaraju

Middle school students take part in the pumpkin patch activity.