Leisure World kicked off the start of autumn with bluegrass music, raffles and spooky fun

GRF HARVEST FESTIVAL

Beautiful weather provided the perfect setting for Leisure World’s annual Harvest Festival on Oct. 24 at the Community Gardens. The afternoon featured live music, hands-on gardening activities, festive decor and generous community giving.

The Wimberley Bluegrass Band entertained festivalgoers throughout the day, providing a cheerful soundtrack as residents explored the gardens and enjoyed the festivities.

One of the day’s highlights was the popular gardening demonstrations, where residents had the opportunity to plant their own seeds and succulents to take home. Special thanks go to the Garden Club and its president, Deidra Lukoff, whose members generously volunteered their time and shared their gardening knowledge and expertise with participants. In the Spooktacular Garden competition, gardeners transformed their Community Gardens plots into creative Halloween displays.

Festival attendees voted for their favorite decorated gardens, awarding first place and the coveted Golden Pumpkin Trophy to Susan Johnson. Esther Kelemen earned second place, while Gilda Schroer took third.

The festival also demonstrated the generosity of Leisure World residents, who contributed 12 boxes of food, totaling nearly 600 pounds, to benefit the OC Food Bank.

The day’s raffle drawings brought excitement and impressive prizes. Teresa Boggs was the grand prize winner of a 75-inch Samsung Mini LED 4K television. Judy Chambers won a $100 Home Depot gift card, while Patricia Moyer received a one-year plot lease at the Community Gardens.

The Recreation Department extends its appreciation to event sponsors Rose Hills, Caption-Call, SCAN Healthcare and Ivy Park for their generous support.

Special recognition also goes to the gardeners and volunteers whose time, creativity and enthusiasm helped make the celebration a success.

—Recreation Department

Tim and Esther Kelemen pose with their grandchildren.

Photos by Paul Kryczko

Sisters Pam and Nancy Smith

LW Garden Club volunteers assisted with a free, hands-on gardening workshop that allowed attendees to take home a plant seedling.