A Night Where Everyone Belongs: Boo-levard Bash at Minnetrista

On the evening of October 10, Minnetrista Boulevard came alive—not just with candy and costumes, but with connection. More than 5,200 guests joined together for Boo-levard Bash, a free, family-friendly celebration that turned our historic campus into a living storybook of laughter, imagination, and community spirit.

As the first trick-or-treaters lined up and the sun dipped low over the river, the air filled with the kind of excitement only Halloween can bring. It wasn’t just about the sweets (though there were plenty of those). It was about neighbors greeting neighbors, families making memories, and new visitors discovering what makes Minnetrista a place where everyone belongs.

Pumpkins, Play, and Picture-Perfect Moments

Across the Greensward, a sea of pumpkins glowed beneath the evening sky. Tables overflowing with pumpkins—big, small, round, and perfectly imperfect—became little marketplaces of possibility. Kids tested which one felt just right, parents debated stems and stripes, and neighbors swapped carving tips with easy laughter. It wasn’t just a place to shop—it was a place to connect.

Displays stretched from giant gourds to tiny mini-gourds, each one a small invitation to make something together at home. Pumpkin-themed photo ops added to the fun, offering the perfect backdrop for family snapshots and impromptu smiles. Nearby, another photo op with hundreds of apples from our own orchard shimmered in the golden light—a beautiful nod to Minnetrista’s roots in harvest and heritage. Along the retaining wall, playful scarecrows—including a Bob Ross homage complete with a “happy little tree”—brought a dash of humor and creativity to the evening, reminding everyone that joy, like art, is meant to be shared.

In every smile, snapshot, and pumpkin chosen, there was a simple truth on display: belonging grows here—one connection, one happy memory at a time.

Flavors of Fall and a Warm Welcome

The scent of barbecue from Smokey Drew’s and the sweet aroma of cocoa and cider drifted through the Circle Drive. Our Hospitality team served seasonal treats that brought everyone together—families sharing caramel apples, friends laughing over cider mugs, and volunteers offering warm smiles along with their warm drinks.

Each bite and sip was more than a treat—it was hospitality in action, one of the many ways Minnetrista continues to nurture belonging across our community.

Magic, Mystery, and the Headless Horseman

Then came a hush—a mix of awe and excitement—as the Headless Horseman appeared atop his steed, cloaked in fog and legend. Cameras flashed, children gasped, and parents smiled as this iconic Halloween figure greeted guests. In that moment, a timeless story met a modern community celebration.

The Trick-or-Treat Trail of Togetherness

The journey continued down Minnetrista Boulevard, where the historic Ball family homes opened their porches to a lively parade of superheroes, princesses, and tiny monsters. Families made their way through the Backyard Garden, where one of our Experience Guides—dressed as Bob Ross—handed out candy with a cheerful smile, before visting community partners who handed out candy, stickers, and books with smiles that matched the children’s excitement. From there, the trail wound through Oakhurst Gardens, where twinkling lights and playful decorations turned each corner into its own little scene of Halloween magic.

Each stop offered more than a handful of sweets—it offered connection. Conversations sparked, laughter echoed, and for one crisp October evening, neighbors, partners, and visitors alike became part of something larger: a shared story of community, joy, and belonging.

A Season of Belonging

The sky painted a stunning sunset as the event began—a peaceful sherbet backdrop to the evening’s festivities. And since we’re in the heart of October, the campus looked especially inviting. Leaves were just beginning to turn, setting a colorful frame for every path and photo moment. The changing foliage added a perfect seasonal touch—a reminder that this is one of the most beautiful times to visit Minnetrista.

To every guest, volunteer, staff member, and partner who helped make it possible—thank you. You are the heart of Minnetrista’s story.

If you missed the event, there’s still time to experience the beauty of fall on our grounds. From the crunch of leaves underfoot to the crisp air along the river, Minnetrista is full of everyday magic—and there’s always something new to discover.