A Healthy Start This Fall
Community Comes Together at Adventist Health Care’s Fall Festival
Despite gray skies and a light drizzle, the energy at Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center’s (FWMC) inaugural Fall Festival on September 27 was anything but dampened. Families, neighbors, and friends poured onto the hospital grounds to celebrate a day that blended health, wellness, and pure fun.
The festival buzzed with music, laughter, and the chatter of community connection. Children shrieked with delight as they hugged Pinch, the beloved mascot of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, whose playful antics kept smiles on faces of all ages. “Pinch stole the show,” one parent said with a laugh. “The kids couldn’t get enough of him!”
Adding to the lively spirit, the Buccaneers Pathfinder Club band delivered an energetic performance on behalf of Fort Washington’s Breath of Life Seventh-day Adventist Church. Their music carried through the air, reminding everyone that this was more than a festival—it was a celebration of community togetherness.
For Daffodil Baez, President of Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center, the day marked an important milestone. “We were thrilled to host our inaugural Community Fall Festival, bringing neighbors, friends, and families together for a day of fun and connection,” Baez shared. “We’re excited to make this an annual tradition that celebrates health, wellness, and community for years to come.”
Vendors lined the walkways with local flavors and crafts, creating an atmosphere of discovery where attendees could sample new treats, learn about wellness resources, and connect with organizations that support the region. Parents appreciated the health information available, while children focused on games, prizes, and face-painting fun.
Though the rain eventually arrived, it couldn’t wash away the warm spirit that defined the day. Umbrellas popped open, and the festival carried on with a sense of resilience that reflected the heart of Fort Washington itself.
As the evening wound down, guests left with more than just festival souvenirs—they carried with them a renewed sense of community pride. The Fall Festival reminded residents that their local hospital isn’t just a place for medical care, but also a hub for connection, celebration, and health in all its forms.
If the first festival was any indication, this new tradition promises to become a fall highlight for years to come in Prince George’s County.
