The annual Kids Fall Fest returned to Labette Community College on Tuesday evening. Dozens of children and families filled the Cardinal Event Center to enjoy a meal, games, candy, and a costume contest.
Admissions Recruiter Mia Howard said the event is organized by the Student Life Department, which collaborates with student volunteers from various programs, including the Student Nursing Organization, Radiology, Student Ambassadors, Phi Theta Kappa, Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate, and the LCC Spirit Squad.
Howard said one of her favorite aspects of the event each year is seeing the children have fun.
“They are all so cute. I love it. I love to see the creativity that the kids pull off with their parents. It’s just a lot of fun seeing all of their creativity they put into their costumes,” Howard said.
Howard added that this event builds good community relationships between the public and Labette Community College.
Bridget Ingham, a student in the radiology program, said she enjoys seeing the community come together. At the radiology table, attendees searched in a sandy bucket for skeleton figurines and played Tic-Tac-Toe with the students. This sentiment was echoed by Kaileen Van Valkenburg, a Phi Theta Kappa member.
PTK Adviser Rebeka Crawford said she and the student volunteers passed out lollipops decorated like ghosts, and gave children the option to draw the ghost’s face on.
Raveyn Kegler, one of the student ambassadors, said she enjoyed participating in the Fall Fest.
“It makes me happy to see all the kids come here and have fun,” Kegler said. “I think it’s a good thing for the kids to do.”
Members of the Labette Community College Spirit Squad painted faces.
“I think the students get a lot out of it because they’re learning social skills, for one thing,” Cheer Coach Megan Fugate said. “And then getting to interact with these little kids — These kids look up to them so much. I think they really enjoy being a part of this event.”
Event organizer Harrison Hall said this event is a tradition he would like to continue.
“I’m excited to see everybody turn out despite the weather. It’s always exciting to see all the kids in their costumes,” Hall said.
Hall added that he’s glad that LCC can provide a safe space for the children.
“You never know if it is safe to go out, or let the kids go out by themselves. So, I’m glad we can provide the safe space for that.”
According to Hall, having annual community events like this one means a lot to the people of Parsons.
“I know a lot of the people struggle with finding their next meal, so for us to be able to provide a meal for them, some candy, enjoyment, entertainment for their kids for a night — I think it means a lot. I’m excited to keep this going,” Hall said.
Alisha Young, a local parent, attended the event with Alivia Young and Evi Willis. Alivia and Evi said their favorite part of the evening was participating in the ring toss. Alisha said she attends the event every year.
Zyaire Malson takes some Twizzlers while trick-or-treating during the Labette Community College Kids Fall Fest. Hannah Emberton | Sun Photo
