Hoya Harvest Festival 2023
On Friday, October 13th, 2023, Georgetown University’s annual Hoya Harvest Festival, hosted by the Earth Commons, unfolded as a joyful celebration of sustainability, community, and the autumn season. The annual festival is a celebration of the earth and the diversity of ways the Georgetown community is growing to nurture it. The festival, held at the Hoya Harvest Garden on the Fourth Floor Patio of Regents Hall, showcased the university community’s deep commitment to nurturing the Earth through a diverse range of sustainable initiatives.
Hoya Harvest Festival attendees were invited to pick their own fresh produce from the Hoya Harvest Garden. Photo by Malu Veltze.
The Hoya Harvest Festival 2023 served as a vibrant testament to Georgetown University’s dedication to environmental stewardship, leaving attendees inspired to continue their efforts to care for our planet.
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Pumpkin Carving
Participants in the spirited pumpkin carving contest used stencils and free-styled their winning designs, which were judged by Pete Marra, Dean of the Earth Commons. Photos by Malu Veltze.
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U-Pick and Plant in the Garden
At the heart of the event was a shared responsibility for sustainable food systems, farming, and environmental consciousness. In addition to participating in autumnal activities like crafting and indulging in delicious food and fall-inspired beverages, festival goers got their hands dirty in the garden with planting activities and by filling bags with U-Pick garden produce. Photos by Malu Veltze.
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Photos by Malu Veltze.
Activities and participants
Creative expression met sustainability at stations for upcycling button making and a collaborative art project led by student group GREEN. Additionally, informative displays on invasive species, tabling by the Office of Sustainability, Planning and Facilities Management, Aramark, and student groups included interactive games, adding layers of education and entertainment to the event.
- Pumpkin carving, U-pick and planting activities, and Common Home Magazine tabling by The Earth Commons
- Yarn pumpkins by Earth Week Collaborative
- Origami with Georgetown Eco Consultants
- Plastic Pollution information with Georgetown Undergraduate Environmental Health Collaborative
- Clothing repair workshop by GREEN
- Plinko type game with Hoya Hospitality
- Origami with Georgetown Eco Consultants
- Upcycling button making with Maker Hub
- Garden for Wildlife by National Wildlife Federation
- Tabling from the Office of Sustainability
- Support for the pumpkin carving activity with Outdoor Education
- Interactive energy efficiency trivia related to local farming by Planning & Facilities Management
- Make your own Pomander with Slow Food