Pack the Park was held this past Saturday, and the park was truly packed. The goal of the event was to raise funds for the Benton Howe Memorial Scholarship, and it was successful, with over $13,000 raised.

            Benton, an outgoing 11-year-old popular in the community, died in an accident in April of 2022. Baseball was one of his favorite sports.

            The first recipient of the scholarship fund was Drew Pedersen, a 2023 graduate from Garretson High School.

            Betsy Howe, Benton's mother, noted that her child has left quite a legacy, as the VFW Baseball Sportsmanship Award and the Games, Fish, and Parks' Youth Trap Giveaway were both named after Benton.

            Pack the Park included scrimmages for both the 12U girls’ softball and 12U boys’ baseball teams, where the points were kept but didn't matter. The event was graced by the Henry G. Fix Post #23 Color Guard and an airplane flyover. Between games, all youth baseball and softball players for the summer of 2023 were invited to parade through the park as their accomplishments were given, and throughout, concessions, giveaways, raffles, and auctions were held.

            Both games were interrupted by dance parties, and the girls’ team had fun playing against their dads, who had to hit off the tee ball stand.

            Organizer Cory Buchholz pointed out the sheer number of people it took to help pull off this event, thanking them profusely. He also thanked the local businesses, whose sponsorships provided an amazing amount of support. He intends to continue helping to organize Pack the Park for 2024.

            While she misses him daily, Betsy stated that she is proud to be Benton's mom, and is grateful to the community for the support they have shown to the family. See more photos below.

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