There’s no shortage of festivals this time of year. Just hearing the words ‘pumpkin’ or ‘apple cider donuts’ instantly snaps us into prep mode. We assemble our finest fall ensemble for the occasion (boots✓ flannel✓a sweet suede fedora✓) and plan to head out with friends and family to partake in all the activities we enjoy most during this maple-candle-smelling, leaf-peeping season. Last month, one such affair took place, and not only did it honor the time of year, but it celebrated what this community does best: give.
Heather Reichenberger, Real Estate Agent at RE/MAX Results, began volunteering at the Gather & Grow Food Shelf in Waconia about five years ago and has since become a member of the board of directors. “I have a passion for volunteering, and spending time at Gather & Grow fits perfectly into my family and work life,” Heather shares. That enthusiastic drive to lend a hand grew into an idea that would bring people together, involve the community as a whole, allow small businesses to connect, celebrate fall (with a Halloween twist), and give back to those who need it most. In 2022, the inaugural Fall Festival took place with Heather leading the way, alongside Meredith Ehret of Fairway Independent Mortage and Mia and Nate Matousek of the Nate Matousek Agency as her partners.
The Fall Festival, held in the Gather & Grow Food Shelf parking lot, started small with Heather giving pumpkins to anyone who donated money or food, along with prizes awarded to winners of the costume contest. “I figured it would give kids one more chance to wear their costumes, and it’s so fun to see what people come up with,” she says with a laugh. Since its debut, the Fall Festival has grown into a highly anticipated gathering that draws people from all over the cities. “One year, we had a group from Burnsville win the costume contest for their elaborate portrayal of the Sanderson Sisters from the Halloween cult classic, Hocus Pocus. It was amazing!”
While you don’t have to come in costume, you do have to come ready for a good time. The 3rd Annual Fall Festival featured Ashley Clemensen Photography, who took photos against a festive backdrop, raffle prizes, food from Pangea and Tacos La Catrina food truck, treats from Love Story Cakes, consultations from Move Well Chiropractic, questions answered by All American Title, face painters, henna tattoos, floral bouquets, and more. The small businesses involved in this event are fueled by their love of the community and their spirit of generosity – each donates at least one raffle prize, along with some donating a portion of their proceeds or tips from the day. And Heather’s pumpkin-donating tradition continues! Every person who brings a donation — a tangible food and/or monetary — to the food shelf is still honored with a bright orange emblem of the season.
For Heather, the most fulfilling aspects of organizing this event are getting to know her neighbors, witnessing the community’s generosity, and seeing others engage. She also hopes that those in need will recognize Gather & Grow’s services and feel the support available to them.
So, will you go as a superhero or perhaps the Addams Family crew? It’s never too early to gear up for next year. You might not leave a raffle winner or awardee for Best DIY Costume, but you’ll go home with a deep sense of fulfillment and a reinforced knowing that you’re right where you need to be, and that was Heather’s plan all along.
I have a passion for volunteering, and spending time at Gather & Grow fits perfectly into my family and work life.