The Grand Valley Book Club is no ordinary book club. The vibrant group has created a variety of unique activities and events that defy all expectations one may have for a club dedicated to literature and reading. They attend book-based movie premiers, volunteer at retirement homes and elementary reading programs, and coordinate travel opportunities, such as their upcoming trip to New York City to meet notable author Alexandra Bracken. One of their most beloved traditions is Potter and Pancakes, an event co-hosted by the Grand Valley Quidditch Team that involves watching Harry Potter movies and eating free breakfast food. When I discovered that the Book Club was organizing a Halloween 5K run, I knew it would be the perfect opportunity to get involved and experience what the Book Club is all about.

On October 30^th, festive and costume-clad Book Club members gathered around the Grand Valley Allendale campus clock tower for the special event. In addition to the 5K run, a costume contest was also a part of that night’s festivities. To set the proper tone, jack-o-lanterns that the club had carved at their previous meetings decorated the starting line and check-in tables.

For the amount of people there (approximately 20 to 30), the number of those who actually ran was quite small: including myself, there were only seven runners. However, the lack of runners did not translate to a lack of energy or enthusiasm at the event. Remarkably, the majority of the Book Club attended the event to support and encourage the runners by cheering on the sidelines, directing traffic and handing out water. Additionally, nearly everyone was dressed in creative costumes, adding to the Halloween spirit of the night.

Sulan, an active Book Club member for over two years who was dressed as Rosie the Riveter, explained that her favorite part of the event was simply “seeing everyone in their Halloween costumes.” This sentiment illustrates how versatile the event was: even those who don’t like running enjoyed being there.

“Book Club is like a family,” April, the club’s president, explained. “We try to create a variety of events that give Book Club members opportunities to grow closer and become better friends.” Making connections and building relationships has always been the vision behind Book Club, which was started by April and her roommates during their freshmen year a little over three years ago.

It was apparent that the Book Club members were close-knit and comfortable, but they were also very welcoming of new members. I felt as if I was adopted into the group without hesitation when they celebrated my successful completion of the race. Race finishers and costume contest winners were awarded bags of apples, bagels and, of course, books!

After the run, many of the event participants carried the decorative pumpkins to Little Mac Bridge. In an act that was part clean-up, part stress relief, and entirely fun, each person took turns tossing their pumpkins over the bridge. The pumpkin smashing was a fantastic way to conclude the evening.

The Halloween 5K was fun-filled and high energy, demonstrating that the Grand Valley Book Club certainly knows how to celebrate. I can’t wait to see what they have planned for the future.

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