Fallfest. The word conjures up a cool autumn day on Polk Community College’s Winter Haven campus filled with happy families participating in variety of activities. Thousands of residents trek to the campus each October to enjoy the event that features:

·         a Craft Show,

·         the Kids Zone,

·         Music,

·         Police and EMS Demonstrations,

·         Pumpkin Patch,

·         a Haunted House,

·         food and

·         More.

            Many of those attending come back each year on the third Saturday in October. Some northerners schedule visits to their central Florida families so they can take in Fallfest. The 22nd Annual PCC Fallfest will be held on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 9 am to 4 pm.

            “When you talk to people about Fallfest they each have their favorite area,” said Tom Dowling, Chair of the Fallfest Committee. “For me and many others Fallfest wouldn’t be Fallfest without the hundreds of handmade crafts on display. The craft show is the backbone of Fallfest.”

The fall event has seen changes in its 22 years. “In addition to the unique crafts, we added other elements that have turned this into a unique festival that attracted 12,000 people last year,” Dowling said. “We've been so successful that one of our major challenges has been to make sure everyone has a place to park.”

Fund Raiser: Fallfest is a fund raiser with proceeds going to various student organizations and to the PCC Foundation. The PCC Foundation financially supports PCC's educational mission in many ways including establishing scholarships and purchasing equipment. The fees from the craft booths and other sales go to the PCC Foundation.
 

Kids Zone: One area of the campus will be transformed into the Kids Zone complete with LaSertoma's Pumpkin Patch. The Kids Zone also features magic shows and balloon art by Luis Campanería (right) hands-on activities and face painting. A big hit every year is the Haunted House. Once again, the Physical Therapist Assistant students will be converting their classroom into a spooky place full of ghosts and goblins.

Food: Tables will be setup in the center of the Winter Haven campus. There PCC’s various athletic teams and clubs will sell hot dogs, hamburgers, other goodies soft drinks. There will also be popcorn and other snacks sold.

Music: Fallfest visitors can sit under the oaks and listen to PCC's many talented musical groups. They can also stroll to the Fine Arts Gallery in the WFA building and admire the decorative quilt show and watch a quilt being made.

EMS & Police: In another area, PCC's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program will stage their Team Day. Paramedic students will encounter a simulated crash scene and will be tested on their emergency response skills. Other vehicles and demos from various fire and EMS agencies will also be featured at this area of Fallfest  including a medi-vac helicopter from Life-Net. Nearby, various police agencies will attend with a variety of demonstrations.
Hundreds of Handmade Crafts: Spread throughout the campus will be over 150 craft booths selling country crafts, wood working, clothing, glass works and much more. “Where ever you look around campus you see these wonderful handmade items on display,” Dowling explained. “I marvel at these fine crafters, who come in the early morning and setup their beautiful creations. Crafters have been most kind with their praise and many say they were attracted to Fallfest by its reputation. For the past several years 90% of our crafters have rated PCC Fallfest as excellent!

“We always strive for excellence at PCC - whether it's in the classroom or in our service to the community,” Dowling continued. “It's the cooperative people at PCC and participating groups that are responsible for Fallfest's great reputation.”

For further details about this free, rain or shine event call 863-292-3603 or e-mail Nixsa DelValle at ndelvalle@polk.edu. 

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