For years, the Student Activities Offices has coordinated with various campus organizations to host the annual Fall Carnival at Ratcliffe stadium.

More than a dozen clubs volunteered with more than 15 carnival booths. Competitive events included the classic bean bag toss, a balloon-popping dart game, a bowling game and a shooting gallery. Other attractions included face painting and Associative Student Government’s haunted room.

“This is my third year in ASG and we’ve done it every year that I’ve been in it,” said ASG president, Nathan Alonzo. “Every year, the kids love it and the parents love it. Everybody gets candy at the end after getting scared to death.”

The Fall Carnival is a gesture of goodwill on behalf of the community. Families from surrounding areas came out to enjoy the free festivities. Children dressed up in classic costumes including skeletons, devils, ballerinas, soldiers and Disney characters.

Hundreds in attendance received candy and balloons from various booths.

Pointing to her 5-year-old daughter, Tricia Martinez said, “Her most favorite thing is getting a balloon because she loves balloons. Any type of game where she has to toss a bean bag, she really likes those a lot.”

Former FCC student Sarah Bass’ 8-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son enjoyed their time at the bowling game more than other booths. “They won a couple pieces of candy there,” said Bass.

Campus club representatives volunteered their time to the community carnival.

Representing the Student Success Club and the CIT Club, Wallace Whipps was glad to have the opportunity to lend a hand.

“I like it. It’s a good, safe environment for the kids to come to and they have a good time. And they seem to enjoy it because it seems to get bigger each year,” said Whipps. “They’ve been putting on this Fall Carnival for at least ten years, maybe more.”

By all accounts, this year’s Fall Carnival was a tremendous success for everyone involved. Candy donations leading up to the event were plentiful and attendees filled their sacks and jack-o’-lantern buckets with a bounty of sweets.