A Taste of Hazelwood Harvestfest

The rain didn't dampen the spirits of the hundreds of Hazelwood residents who attended Saturday.

Local families and friends gathered at Hazelwood's to participate in a full day of family-friendly activities at the annual event.

"We always enjoy this event," said Randy McDaniel, Florissant Valley Kiwanis Club treasurer and secretary. "Unfortunately, the weather is not what it should be, and the crowd is pretty thin."

The Kiwanis Club sold sodas and snacks, along with several other local organizations that set up booths at the event.

McDaniel said that the event wasn't as busy as it has been in previous years, but that any proceeds collected would be donated to Kiwanis Club charities to help area kids. A couple of the organizations that benefit include Greater Saint Louis Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri.

Nancy Whitener, who works for the part time on the weekends and served as a security guard at Harvestfest, said that the event is wonderful for the community and really brings people together.

"It's so good to see all of the organizations come together to put on the Harvestfest," Whitener said. "We've got good participation and great free stuff for the kids."

Also among the day's events were the . This year's Harvestfest was dedicated to dogs and themed, "A Tribute to Man's Best Friend." The Miss Hazelwood Coronation, horseshoe tournaments, bingo sessions and musical entertainment also took place.

An inflatable obstacle course, a giant slide and a jurassic zoo play area kept kids entertained, as did the arts and crafts section where kids could decorate and keep stuffed dogs.

Hazelwood kids also enjoyed a petting zoo, free pony rides and a homerun derby, as well as the St. Louis Gateway Arch Chapter of Safari Club International's 2- foot trailer that allowed kids to see and touch 50 mounted wild animals.

"We have it every September," said Jackie Lawrence, a park ranger for the City of Hazelwood during the festivities. "I'm excited about the petting zoo and the ponies that are coming in, and we have the horseshoe tournament going on."

Lawrence said she really enjoyed this year's theme and the Purina Dogs shows.

Harvestfest also featured a used book sale, an arts and crafts show and by , who chatted with local residents and handed out free Patch gear.

The City of Hazelwood gave away "green" grocery bags with the Hazelwood logo on them, as well as several other freebie items including pooper scooper bags, dog biscuits and Frisbees. Residents could also turn in their old or damaged American flags, which the city said it would give to the VFW for proper disposal ceremonies.