How a community responds to crisis and tragedy says a lot about it. How the community responded to the death of Benton Howe last year shows off a true heart of gold for the Garretson area and its people.
This Saturday, July 15 starting at 6 p.m. and going until late, the Second Pack the Park event will take place at the Jaycee's Complex.
Last year, Pack the Park accomplished many things, first and foremost by holding a community gathering in memory of 11-year-old Benton Howe, who lost his life in a spring 2022 UTV accident. Baseball was one of his favorite sports to play.
Pack the Park also showcased the talent of Garretson's youth baseball and softball players at the age between coach-pitch/kid pitch and the high school leagues. The games allowed the kids to get out on the field and have fun, not knowing what was going to happen next (for example, one inning was run backwards by the batters, who had to run to third base instead of first).
Another goal was to raise funds for the Benton Howe Memorial Scholarship, and the event raised over $18,000. It was supported in some fashion by nearly every business in Garretson. Approximately a dozen volunteers helped with umping, tickets, working the fields, concessions, and more. Organizers are hoping to make this Pack the Park Even bigger than the first.
