The unseasonably cold temperatures did not keep a hardy group of area residents from taking part in the annual Harvest Fest at Becker City Park last Saturday.  Kids of all ages donned costumes for the Halloween 5K and youngster’s 1K cross-country events, and enjoyed the games, food and hay rides that are part of the annual event.

 

In the 5K event, Becker’s Casey Mork was the class of the field, crossing the finish line well clear of the rest of the field.  After the race, Mork, a dedicated distance runner, said she pushed extra-hard for the finish line because she was training for a distance event in northern Minnesota that takes place today.  Santiago’s Mike Garland was the first man across the line in second place.  Both the adult and junior races featured several outstanding costumes, including Kristi Haertl of Coon Rapids, who celebrated turning 50 year old last Friday by completing the course in a full cow costume.

 

Santiago rancher Tom Barthel and his wife, former Becker library manager Gail Wilkinson, were on hand again this year with their wagon and team of horses, providing hay rides for young and old alike throughout the festival.

 

In a nod to the weather, the Lion’s Club was selling hot chocolate this year, in lieu of other more warm-weather beverages.

 

The shuttle bus service from Pebble Creek Golf Club worked perfectly again, eliminating any parking problems at the park.  Becker Community Center organizers said that they were pleased with the turnout, which included bright sunshine along with the cold temperatures and the even present wind.