Intergenerational Harvest Festival, Apple Cider Pressing, Outdoor Games & Potluck

Yesterday -- Sunday, September 27, 2026 -- our first annual Intergenerational Harvest Festival, Apple Cider Pressing, Outdoor Games & Potluck was held in the northwest parking lot and Fellowship Hall.  Our campus was host to about 120 participants including Cub Scouts, their parents and siblings, members of our congregation, RE teachers, a few neighbors, and our own Rev. Ali. 

Two cider crushers and presses were in constant use from 2:30-5:00 pm, producing some of the best fresh apple cider you've ever tasted!  

There's a very specific procedure for making cider:  1.  Obtain apples.  A big thank you to Sister Carmen for donating 150 pounds worth, and to families who also contributed.  

2.  Wash apples.  

3.  Slice apples. 

4.  Put apples in the hand-turned crusher.  Rule #1:  no fingers in crusher!  

5.  Move crushed apples to the press.  

6.  Take turns rotating the press mechanism to exert force on the crushed apples.  

7.  Watch the cider emerge at the bottom of the apparatus to be collected in pitchers.  

8.  Drink!

There were lots of fun outdoor activities to keep kids and adults busy.  One of the Cubs taught origami.  Apple bobbing, corn shucking, corn hole games, giant Jenga blocks, and other outdoor games were set up on the north side of the Fellowship, and impromptu soccer games took place in the northwest parking lot.  

In addition to those activities, Cub Scout leaders conducted their meeting, and everyone took part in a potluck dinner featuring an incredible array of food. 

A big thanks to all of the Fellowship folks who helped make this event a success:  Rev. Ali K. C. Bell, Rev. JeKaren Bell, Kerri Bell-Delgado, Cale Carmon, Lindsay Bullock, Bellamy Bodiford, Robyn & Chris Rathweg, Joseph Reid & Cindy Stark-Reid, Sarah Kowalchuk, Rosemary & Larry Arp, Hans Jordan & Joan Mulcahy, Sierramay Bishop & kids, Jennifer Donald, Deborah Mensch,  Shanti Semani, Millie Montgomery, Alisa & David Burrous, Michaela Sievers, Lucy & Eric Williams.  

We also extend our thanks to the many Scout parents for their extraordinary help with setup, festival activities, and cleanup.  

Look for more intergenerational social time opportunities with our new community partner, Lafayette Cub Scout Pack 79, this coming spring!