Fall Fest draws big crowd for food, fun
By Donnie A. Lucas
A large crowd was on hand Saturday at Nancy Smith Elementary for the annual Fall Fest, with organizers calling the event a big success.
Several changes were made this year in an attempt to draw more interest, including larger prizes that were “purchased” with points earned at the various booths. There were also changes made to the bingo and cake walk, and unlimited play wrist bands were also introduced.
Exact figures of the success of the project, which is sponsored by the Albany PTO, were not yet available.
“We think we had a substantial profit, but we have donations and a few expenses still coming in,” co-organizer Ragan Riley said. “We separated the adult and children’s bingo this year and that went really well. We also made changes to the cake walk, but we need to improve the times we hold the two sessions next year.”
The costume contest was again held outdoors for a second year, with a new start time of 5:15 p.m.
“We were excited to bring back the ladder climb after 20 years,” Riley said. “People suggested bringing back other booths from the past for next year’s event.”
Riley said that a full financial report and consideration of what to spend the proceeds on will be conducted during an important re-organizational meeting of the PTO set for Monday, Nov. 7 at 6:30 p.m. in the elementary cafeteria.
“We will be electing officers and considering ways to restructure,” she said. “This is an important meeting for parents and teachers, especially if they want to have their voice heard about making changes in the future.”
Results of the costume contest are as follows:
Newborn Under Age 1 - 1. Ruby Hargett, Cookie Monster. 2. Josie Spaulding, cow. 3. Izrael Esparza, pig.
Ages 1 to 2 - 1. Elliot Pacanins, Elliot from ET. 2. Tatum Gardenhire, Tiger. 3. Carter Gallagher, Princess Elsa.
Ages 3-5. 1. Lennox Lehew, Flamingo. 2. Hattie Maw Rankin, Zombie. 3. Brock Bellah, Movie Star.
1st - 2nd Grade - 1. Jackson Lehew, Heisman Winner. 2. Lennon Riley Lucas, Amelia Earheart. 3. River Clark, Little Mermaid.
3rd - 4th Grade – 1. Mya Rosales, Clown. 2. Zamaha Dockins, Raccoon.
5th - 6th Grade – 1. Presley Rosales, Bride of the Dead. 2. Willow Early, Witch. 3. Chisum Gardenhire, Baseball Player.
Group Entries - 1. Sanderson Sisters, Carly Kreitler, Kimberly Howe, Artie Bell. 2. Stool Sample Collector and Animals, Finn, Farrah, Wick Viertel, and Izrael Esparza. 3. Circus – Dixie and Tatum Gardenhire.
