Fall Fest set this weekend
By Kathy Thomson
Games of skill and chance, homemade cakes and assorted other scrumptious desserts, freshly prepared chili and beans, prizes, and children and adults dressed up as characters from video games, movies, heroes, mermaids, animals, pirates, cheerleaders, and clowns are all expected to be on hand for the annual Parent-Teacher Organization’s Fall Fest being held at the Nancy Smith Elementary School campus on Saturday, Oct. 26.
Slightly cloudy skies, temperatures forecast to range from highs in the upper 60s to lows in the 40s, and a moon that won’t rise until almost dawn are expected to result in a star-lit, cool, fall evening for the PTO fundraiser.
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are still being sought to take shifts at the various booths sponsored by the different classes, according to overall coordinator Malarie Sutton, with Shayna Duke assisting.
“We still need volunteers everywhere, especially in the cafeteria, and almost all of the elementary classes have some shifts that still need to be covered,” said Sutton. “If your child is in school, please help us out. And even if you don’t have kids in school, we’d still welcome your help.”
Those who have already signed up for a shift are reminded that everyone is depending on them to be sure and show up.
“It takes everyone to make the night go smooth,” said Tisha Wilkins, who coordinates the cafeteria with Michaela Smith. “Any parents who have not signed up to work for their child’s home room, please do so. If you have a child attending Albany schools and have not yet been asked to help out, please contact your child’s teacher.”
Smith said that most of the cafeteria prep work is covered, but volunteers are still needed to help serve at Fall Fest.
“We need helpers on Saturday from 4:30 p.m. until closing,” Smith said.
The cafeteria, which traditionally draws a large crowd, will begin serving at 5:00 p.m. to accommodate those who wish to eat early.
Cafeteria volunteers can contact Wilkins at 325-660-7443 or Smith at 214-883-5087 for more information and to sign up to help.
Desserts Needed
Each first grade and senior student is responsible for bringing two desserts to the elementary school cafeteria no later than 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26.
The first grade parents should label their desserts “cakewalk.”
“Seniors are responsible for bringing homemade desserts,” said Wilkins. “Every senior needs to bring two homemade desserts to the cafeteria on Saturday, Oct. 26 by 4:00 p.m.”
Some of the other students also need to bring food items for the event.
“Each of the freshman girls needs to bring one dozen caramel apples,” said Sutton. “And all of the freshman boys need to bring one dozen popcorn balls each. These do not have to be homemade.”
Fall Fest Schedule
The Oct. 26 Fall Fest is sponsored each year by the Albany PTO, with proceeds funneled back into the school system in a variety of ways.
Fall Fest officially begins when the cafeteria opens at 5:00 p.m., and the booths and other activities are scheduled to be open from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. or later, depending on when they run out of prizes.
“The last shifts we have scheduled are from 8:30 until 9:30 p.m.” said Sutton.
The cafeteria food line will remain open until 9:00 p.m. or “until the food runs out,” whichever comes first.
An entrée at the Fall Fest will cost visitors $2 per serving. Foods include chili, beans, stew, baked potatoes, and hot dogs. Cold drinks, coffee, tea, milk, and a variety of desserts are priced at $1.
Costume Contest
One of the annual highlights of the Fall Fest is the costume contest, starting at 7:00 p.m. on the stage in the cafeteria.
Participants will be judged by age and grade in the same cate-gories as in previous years, with extra points for home-designed costumes and creativity. Ribbons will be awarded to winners.
A group contest open to brothers and sisters, cousins, friends, etc. will conclude the competition.
Game Booths
Numerous game booths sponsored by different classes, including junior high and high school classes, will be featured at the Fall Fest again this year.
Tickets will be used to play all of the games, and can be purchased for 50 cents each. All booths will require tickets to play.
The majority of the games will be set up as usual on the teachers’ parking lot and along the sidewalk to the cafeteria, with rides making use of the bus lane.
The bingo tables will be located in the band room at the old kindergarten complex, operating from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m., or until all the prizes have been won.
Booth Setup
Booth construction for the 2019 Fall Fest was handled again this year by the Albany High School Future Farmers of America, making the task much easier for parents and volunteers. The students finished setting up the framework for the booths during the week.
Room mothers and those in charge of various games can decorate their booths Saturday morning starting at 9:00 a.m. It usually takes a minimum of an hour to decorate and set up the games, according to organizers.
Members of the Albany chapter of the National Honor Society helped sort and bag the booth prizes last Sunday. Parents who are working the first shift at each of the booths are asked to pick up the prizes at the old Cub Mart room, starting at 5:00 p.m.
Anyone who hasn’t been contacted and wishes to contribute bingo prizes or cash to the cafeteria for expenses is asked to call any of the organizers.
Also, parents of first grade students and seniors are once again reminded that they are responsible for bringing two desserts for each of their students to the cafeteria before 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.
