Thanksgiving in Los Angeles

10 Questions with Jae : The Heyler Harvest Festival

1. What is the Heyler Harvest Festival?

The Heyler Harvest Festival is an annual block party we put together to celebrate our community by joining together our neighbors, friends, families, our neighboring businesses, our Neighborhood Council, LAFD and our past and present clients. We offer free food, fun and to create a place where folks can feel they are a part of their local community-Mayberry right here in the heart of Los Angeles

2. How long has Heyler Realty been hosting the event?

This is our 7th year hosting this event. 

3. Why did you start hosting the Heyler Harvest Festival?

We started this event as a way to bring all the things it meant to be a good neighbor and what we wanted for our children to experience growing up with. We are not just a transactional real estate company, we believe in making a difference and making it fun and this block party has been one of the best ways we've done that. 

4. Do I have to buy tickets?

This is a free event and you don't have to buy anything. 

5. Can I wear a costume?

Yes, costumes are encouraged and we have an awesome costume contest with 4 categories that you can win. This year our costume winners will get a $50 gift card for their category donated by Hudson Properties/Macerich (formerly Westside Pavilion). They have sponsored the costume contest for the last 6 years. 

6. You are giving an award to a Hometown Hero. What do you think is a Hometown Hero?
We think a Hometown Hero is a citizen that makes a contribution to the people and the community around them. A Hometown Hero makes the world around them a better place just by being a part of it with how they help others, make an impact and are a part of the change they wish to see around them. We honor that individual with a plaque and public recognition for their years of service. 

7. Will there be pumpkins?

Oh yes, we have large carving pumpkins that attendees are welcome to have one per family so we can have enough for all that would like one. This has also been a mainstay of this event since our first year. We are like the local pumpkin patch. 

8. What's your favorite part of the Heyler Harvest Festival?

My favorite part of the event is looking around and seeing so many people I love enjoying themselves and celebrating and being together. 

9. Who else participates?

We have so many items that have been donated for the free raffle drawings as well as Louises Trattoria has provided a pasta dish every year. LAFD grills the burgers and hotdogs we provide and the Westside Neighborhood Council provides a fun treat of dessert and this year is creating a donut wall! We have Rick from the Overland Avenue Farmer's Market providing the obstacle course and Kettle Corn. Gogo Squeeze gives away their applesauce. For raffle items this year the big prize as has been the last 4 years is a 13 inch Macbook laptop and $75 towards tech support generously donated by MacEnthusiasts. Children's Book World, Adam's Music, Z-Ultimate, Chef Eric and Andrea Peterson Skincare have also all contributed to the raffle drawing. We will have performances by 8 Count Dance Academy and Zumba dancing in the street with Julie Schatz. It is a fun filled event and something we work on for months to make it as enjoyable as possible. 

10. What's was your favorite Halloween costume as a kid?

I don't know if is a favorite but the one I won a costume contest for when I was really little was dressing up in my Korean dress which is very ornate and very traditional called a Hanbok. My mom did my hair and back in the 70's, people had never seen anything like this in person before. So I won the costume contest.