When Disney villains, superheroes, witches, and a couple of familiar faces from Dumb and Dumber come together, you know it’s going to be a Fall Fest to remember!
On October 24, the VFW National Home was filled with laughter, creativity, and a little Halloween magic as our families gathered for the 2026 Fall Fest! Hosted by the VFW Department of Wisconsin and its Auxiliary, with help from the VFW Department of Missouri and its Auxiliary, this year’s celebration was packed with games, prizes, costumes, and plenty of memories in the making.
And while the costumes were impressive, the best part of the day was seeing our families come together, watching the kids have a blast, and enjoying the kind of moments that make the National Home such a special place.
Witches, Superheroes, and Villains… Oh My!
This year’s Fall Fest had a little bit of everything! Wisconsin brought the magic with a Hocus Pocus theme, while Missouri came ready to save the day with a superhero theme. Not to be outdone, the VFW National Home Board of Trustees embraced their villainous side, dressing as some of Disney’s most recognizable troublemakers!
From the Queen of Hearts to Maleficent and Cruella de Vil, our Trustees proved that even villains can have a heart of gold when it comes to supporting our families.
And then there were our fearless leaders…
Executive Director Dr. Jerred Johnson and Chief Operating Officer Dave Lewis traded their usual professional attire for bright orange and powder blue suits, transforming into Harry and Lloyd from Dumb and Dumber! Let’s just say their commitment to the costumes was impressive, and they certainly brought plenty of laughs!
Big Imaginations and Even Bigger Smiles!
Of course, the real stars of Fall Fest were the kids!
The day was filled with games, prizes, and excitement around every corner. Whether they were showing off their costumes, trying their luck at a game, or simply enjoying time with friends and family, there was no shortage of smiles.
The children’s costume contest brought out everything from superheroes and spooky characters to creative costumes that showed off their personalities. Some contestants were ready to steal the spotlight, while others needed a little encouragement to show off their Halloween looks. Either way, every costume deserved a round of applause!
And then came the pumpkin decorating contest!
Our young artists took their creativity to a whole new level, turning ordinary pumpkins into some pretty extraordinary masterpieces. From silly faces and colorful characters to elaborate designs, each pumpkin was full of personality. The judges definitely had their work cut out for them! With so much creativity on display, choosing winners was no easy task.
But the biggest reward wasn’t a trophy or prize. It was watching the kids beam with pride as they showed off something they had created themselves.
More Than Just a Fall Festival
At the VFW National Home, events like Fall Fest are about so much more than games, candy, and costumes.
They’re about creating a place where children can simply be kids. A place where families can laugh together, make new friends, and enjoy the little moments that become lasting memories.
For the veteran and military families who call the National Home home, these opportunities to come together help build the friendships, connections, and sense of belonging that are such an important part of our community.
And sometimes, building new beginnings looks a lot like a room full of superheroes, giggling children, decorated pumpkins, and two grown men dressed like Harry and Lloyd!
A Spooktacular Thank You!
A huge and heartfelt THANK YOU to the VFW Department of Wisconsin and its Auxiliary, along with the VFW Department of Missouri and its Auxiliary, for putting so much time, energy, and heart into making this celebration possible.
From planning activities and preparing games to dressing up and making sure every child had a wonderful time, your dedication to our families was evident in every detail.
We also want to thank our Board of Trustees for being such good sports and embracing the fun, along with everyone who helped make the day special.
Because at the VFW National Home, we’re not just building new beginnings. We’re making memories along the way.
And if this year’s Fall Fest proved anything, it’s that a little Hocus Pocus, a few superheroes, and a whole lot of heart can create some pretty incredible magic!
