Harvest Fest Top 5

By Zoe Wyett and Kylie Marcus

Food trucks, games, merch, and school spirit - this is Harvest Fest. Harvest Fest is one of Beaver’s most beloved traditions. Every year, in early October, Harvest Fest brings together the middle and upper school, as they enjoy the “under the lights” games as a whole community. Below we have outlined the top 5 highlights from the 2024 Harvest Fest. Check out this list to read more about the favored events.

1. Boys soccer under the lights game

   
   

A huge part of Beaver’s Harvest Fest is the "under the lights" soccer game at the end of the night. This is one of the most popular Beaver events of the year. Each season the Varsity girls and boys soccer teams switch off from having the spotlight. This year, it was the Boys' turn. Throughout the afternoon, students and staff walk around and check out the food trucks, merch stand, and other sports games, but the under-the-lights game unfailingly has the biggest turnout. Blaring lights around the field light up the massive student section on the opposite side of the bleachers. Throughout the week of Harvest Fest, there are spirit days. Upper schoolers dress up depending on the day of the week and its theme. This year's themes were Beaver Gear, Jersey Day, USA Day (Red, White, and Blue), and Blackout. This year's Harvest Fest games were against Portsmouth Abbey. The excitement in the air was tangible as the boys' soccer game began with an impressive penalty shot goal from Jack Strom ‘25. Towards the end of the game, Portsmouth scored two quick goals on us, leaving the final score 1-2 Portsmouth.

2. The merch stand 

   
   

The place to be at Harvest Fest, aside from under the lights, is the merch stand. Parents and admin worked tirelessly to design gear for students and staff, and the tables were lined with hoodies, pajama pants, and shirts for purchase. There are also other items like coffee mugs and hats. The merch stand buzzed with energy and excitement from students and staff wanting to rep Beaver. The school as a whole was covered in Beaver's colors and logos all around, proudly displaying our school’s pride.

3. The pizza truck

   
   

At Harvest Fest, we always have a pizza truck. This year, it was Anzio’s pizza. The pizza was in the plaza, and it was seriously the best! It was hot and cheesy, with just the right amount of toppings. Everyone in the student section was grabbing slices while passing through the plaza, and it added to the whole fun vibe of the night.

4. Girls JV volleyball game 

   
   

During the early hours of harvest fest, girls' JV volleyball won against Portsmouth Abbey 3-2. In the first set, our team was a bit nervous and made a few mistakes, but they quickly found their rhythm. Their serves were on point, and their defense was solid, making some great blocks. At one point, Nora Dies, ‘26, made an outstanding save when the ball traveled to her corner of the court, and she dove to save it, keeping the point alive! By the second set, the team was in sync, making amazing plays. In the third and final set, JV volleyball pulled it together and secured the win. After the game, the team joined together in an embrace, celebrating their shared victory.

5. The student section

Throughout Harvest Fest, students were decked out in all black with pops of pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Beaver students never fail to show school spirit. They cheered loudly during all the games, filling the stands with support. When it came to the under-the-lights game, we all gathered near the sideline to sit and watch. We cheered when the starters ran out and watched intently as the game began. The energy was high, and it made the day even more exciting. During the school day, we watched students play against the teachers during upper school meeting, battling in an intense game of volleyball. The Beaver mascot even came out to hand out pink beaded necklaces and t-shirts to the amped-up crowd.