The History
Knowledge Services (KS) recently celebrated our thirteenth annual fall gathering on Wednesday, October 25. Originating in 2010 with 36 people in attendance, the chili cook-off potluck was introduced as an opportunity to socialize with team members in a casual environment outside of work as well as meet team members’ families. As the years went on, the chili cook-off was held at various off-site events. In 2020, Knowledge Services acquired a new headquarters building and new site for the chili cook-off. As the KS family grew, Julie Bielawski, CEO, wanted to start a new tradition that allows team members to relax and enjoy the event, without the stress of making and transporting chili. This sparked the transitioning of The KS Chili Cook-Off into an annual Fall Fest.
Knowledge Services’ 2010 chili cook-off.
From Chili Cook-Off to Annual Fall Fest
The first Fall Fest was held at Allisonville Home and Garden by Sullivan. Just under 200 team members and their families attended. Sullivan’s is a family-owned business, mirroring Knowledge Services’ family-oriented values.
Team members checked in with hospitality and received train tickets to board the Sullivan Express where families enjoyed various animatronics along the way. Upon arriving at PumpkinTown, families found various activities to enjoy including food and drink options.
Fall Festivities
The Allisonville nursery served a variety of delicious goods, alongside apple cider slushies and local craft beer. Maggie’s Bistro, the in-house café, provided assorted sweets and baked goods. A “sweet” surprise was roasting marshmallows over provided firepits and enjoying fresh s’mores.
The PumpkinTown activities included magic shows and carnival-style games for attendees to enjoy, with the chance of winning prizes. Children had the opportunity to dress up for Halloween early and go trick-or-treating, followed by playing on piles of hay bales. A special philanthropy initiative was pumpkin painting for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. For $5, attendees could paint and decorate pumpkins, and all proceeds went towards the foundation, which honors veterans and first responders.
KS Fall Fest 2023
KS Fall Fest 2023
A Special Thank You to Sullivan’s
This annual gathering is a special way for Knowledge Services to kick off the start of the holiday season. This year was not only our first Fall Fest, but it was also the first year the Allisonville Nursery opened this special event space for companies to enjoy. After a night filled with joy and laughter, team members and their families boarded the Sullivan Express and experienced a Halloween-themed light show. We are grateful to Sullivan’s for hosting our KS family and are looking forward to the holiday gatherings to come!
