Polk State FallFest set for Oct. 14, now with car show
For more than three and a half decades, FallFest has been a seasonal mainstay on Polk State College’s Winter Haven Campus.
FallFest will be held for the 37th time from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct. 14. Last year marked the first time that the event had been held since 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 120 locals, businesses, and College clubs will set up booths all throughout the campus with exciting, seasonal, and innovative homemade arts, crafts, and products.
“We take tremendous pride in being one of the staples that the community looks forward to every fall,” said Nancy Lozell, Program Manager for The Arts at Polk State. “We’ve received an incredible amount of interest this year and you can really tell that people are excited.”
The event is free and open to the public with fees from craft booths going to the Polk State College Foundation to benefit the College’s deserving students. The Foundation supports the College’s educational mission in many ways, including establishing scholarships and purchasing equipment for students.
The event will also feature family-friendly activities such as games, haunted houses, bounce houses, shows, and presentations from local law enforcement and EMS. Polk State College clubs and athletics programs will also participate in the event to raise money for their organizations by hosting different activities and food sales.
New to this year’s event is the FallFest Car Show, which will raise funds for Study Abroad Scholarships for Polk State students. Car owners can enter the show with a $20 donation.
“The car show will pique the interest of a new demographic of car enthusiasts who otherwise might not come to FallFest while helping our students enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Kim Simpson, Program Coordinator for Polk State’s Institute of Global Initiatives. “This is a chance for people to show off their wheels and open our students’ eyes with new learning experiences and cultural perspectives.”
There will be live music and other entertainment throughout the day, including Polk State’s Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and the Polk State Choir. Local high school bands, choirs, and the Chain O’ Lakes Big Band will also be among the event’s performers.
For $60, vendors will be assigned a booth on campus. Limited spots are available inside the Student Center for $70. For business vendors looking to promote their business, the cost is $100.
Registration for a booth will remain open until Oct. 6. For the car show, registration will remain open until the day of the event, but those who register before Oct. 7 will receive a complimentary dash plaque.
More information, including how to register or volunteer for the event, is available by contacting Lozell at 863.297.1050 or by emailing fallfest@polk.edu. The FallFest office is in the Polk State Winter Haven Fine Arts Building, room WFA 147A. To register for the FallFest Car Show or for more information, click here.