1000s flock to LETRA to attend Fall Fest

By Monica K. GuthrieOctober 22, 2015

Pickin' the perfect punkin
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First Halloween
2 / 5 Show Caption + Hide Caption – David Ayansola, 6 months, had his photo taken at a photo station during Fall Fest at Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area on Fort Sill, Okla., Oct. 17, 2015. The event was organized by the staff of the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recre... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Festive family fun
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Hay ride in style
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Pipin' pop tune
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FORT SILL, Okla. Oct. 22, 2015 -- Between zombies and pumpkin picking, the fields at Lake Elmer Thomas Recreation Area were a buzz with activity for Fall Fest, Oct. 17, organized by the staff of the Directorate of Family and Morale Welfare and Recreation.

"I wanted to have a signature event that for LETRA would close out the summer season," said Mark Houseman, LETRA program manager. "So three years ago, we just had the pumpkin patch, and it was hugely successful. From that turnout I wanted to grow the event. So we added the 5k Zombie Obstacle Course Run, the movie marathon and the Zombie Paintball hunt. With these new additions and the pumpkin patch Fall Fest was born."

The day began with a 9 a.m. Zombie Obstacle Course 5K run. Runners received a flag-football belt and had to keep it protected from zombies as they battled obstacles including a cargo-net spider climb, a tire swing and high step, and a Tarzan swing where contestants had to swing from one bar to another. It also included a water obstacle and an obstacle called "over, under and over," where runners had to hurdle one barrier, then crawl under one, then hurdle the next.

"The zombies are also considered an obstacle as you are wanting to avoid them," said Houseman. "They were scattered throughout the run. I believe the total number of volunteers was close to 60."

Following the run, the area around LETRA was opened between noon and 4 p.m. as families waded through 500 pumpkins before choosing one to take home. Houseman said Country Mart was the original sponsor of the pumpkin patch purchasing 150 pumpkins for the event. Many families used the pumpkin patch as a background to take fall photos of their children.

Streets were lined with booths filled with information about products along with games, prizes and candy to give away. In the background members of the 77th Army Band along with the bagpipers of "Costello's Own" provided live entertainment.

"I think it's great having all these activities out here for families to do," said retired Sgt. Maj. Michael Smith as he watched the band play. "We didn't have all these things for families when I was a young Soldier. You had to find your fun. I think this is great."

The final piece of the day began at 8 p.m. with a zombie hunt. For $30 would-be hunters could get paintballs, air and a drink and go hunting for the walking dead. Those who didn't have their own gun or protective gear paid another $10 for the equipment.

"The zombie hunt was just another idea that is very popular during this time," said Houseman.

He said zombie hunters boarded a trailer and shot at their prey through habitat suspected of harboring the dead.

"We made it where they had to hunt while the zombies, in turn, were hunting them," he said.

The intent of having so many events on one day was to increase participation. He also said multiple events helped create an environment more like a festival. The estimated attendance was about 2,300.

"I believe it has been successful due to the wide variety of activities that are offered throughout the day," said Houseman. "There really is something for everyone to enjoy."

The next event for LETRA will be the 2016 Polar Bear Plunge and 5K run scheduled for Jan. 23.