Hallelujah Harvest celebrates fall, community

By Rachel PonderNovember 3, 2021

Hallelujah Harvest
(From left) Volunteers Patrice Sorenson and Valerie Gallivan with the Protestant Women of the Chapel and Volunteer Connie Richardson, with the Catholic Women of the Chapel, welcome Josiah Smiley, 5, dressed as Spider-Man, to their table during trunk-or-treat during Hallelujah Harvest hosted by the APG chapel Oct 29. (Photo Credit: Photo by Rachcel Ponder, APG News) VIEW ORIGINAL

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. – The community celebrated the autumn season during Hallelujah Harvest hosted by the APG chapel Oct. 29.

The annual fall-themed event featured trunk-or-treat, an alternative to trick-or-treating. Although trunk-or-treat is traditionally held outside, the activity was moved inside due to inclement weather. Participants visited several themed stations and received candy, cookies and water as well as information about chapel events from volunteers, many in costume.

“I am glad that it was still held today despite the weather,” said Chanel Weaver, of the Army Public Health Center, who brought her son Josiah Smiley, who wore a Spider-Man costume.

Personnel with the APG Fire Department also participated and gave attendees candy and information about fire prevention safety.

Volunteer Patrice Sorenson, with the Protestant Women of the Chapel, said she is new to APG.

“I love to be part of the community, and this is my new community,” she said.

Volunteer Valerie Gallivan, also with PWOC, said she enjoys talking to the attendees about their costumes.

“I enjoy this event because it is not so rushed [compared to trick-or-treating],” she said. “The kids are proud to show off their costumes, which they should be.”

Hallelujah Harvest is held annually by the chapel as an alternative to Halloween. APG Deputy Garrison Chaplain (Maj.) Denise Hagler said they scaled down the event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She thanked everyone who attended and the volunteers for making the event possible.

“We had a good showing despite the rain,” she said. “So we are happy about everybody supporting us today. We thank God for them.”

The APG chapel community offers a variety of programs and events throughout the year. For more information, call 410-278-4333.