Annual Fall Fest returns Saturday
Excitement is growing for this weekend’s Fall Fest, an annual fundraiser sponsored by the Albany PTO. Fall Fest is set for Saturday, Nov. 8, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Nancy Smith Elementary School, featuring game booths, Bingo, a cake walk, face painting, food and drinks, and a few new attractions.
A “Glow in the Dark” Silent Disco – new this year – will take place in the gym from 5 to 7 p.m., with 10-minute sessions starting every 15 minutes.
Wristbands for $40 include unlimited booth games, five student Bingo cards, a snack combo, face painting, the Silent Disco with a glow bracelet, and one turn at the photo booth.
Tickets will be sold from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the courtyard ticket booth for $5 per 10 tickets, $10 for 20 tickets, or by Venmo. Wristbands are $40 each.
Booth games will only accept tickets, while the Bingo event and the snack booth will also accept cash or Venmo.
Bingo will be held in the cafeteria from 5 to 8 p.m., with both kids and adult cards available. All ages will play at the same time, but the cards will be different, and they will choose from different prize groups. Special Bingo cards for a slightly higher price will also be available.
The popular Cake Walk will run from 4 to 8 p.m. on the cafeteria stage, accessible through the back door.
Face painting will be open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. in the courtyard.
The snack booth will serve popcorn, chips, candy, cotton candy, and drinks from 4 to 8 p.m. using cash, tickets, or Venmo. Meal combos featuring a Frito pie wrap, hot dog, or chili dog with chips, candy and a drink will be available for $5. At least two food trucks are also expected on site.
Albany FFA will sponsor Chicken Litter Bingo, a cash-only event starting at 6 p.m.
“Fall Fest is not possible without volunteers,” said PTO president Ragan Riley. “If a shift isn’t covered, we can’t guarantee that booth will be open – we’ve had to close booths in the past due to a lack of help, so please sign up.” Riley encourages parents to volunteer through the SignUpGenius link shared on the Albany PTO Facebook page or via the email sent home with NSES students. Volunteers may also contact the PTO directly at Albany.tx.pto@gmail.com.
As of press time, about 20 volunteers were still needed. “We are so thankful for this community and want to put on a great festival for our students,” Riley said. “We appreciate all the support we’ve received and hope for a great turnout this year.” Proceeds from Fall Fest fund senior scholarships and school supplies for all AISD students.
