Fall Fest volunteers needed

By Donnie A. Lucas

The call has gone out for volunteers of all types to assist with the annual Fall Fest at Nancy Smith Elementary sponsored by the Albany PTO.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 22 – a week earlier than usual – and organizers need parents, teachers, and community volunteers to sign to help.

“We are still lacking the number of volunteers needed to run a successful Fall Fest this year,” organizer Ragan Riley said this week. “We need help with set-up, operating booths, and helping in the cafeteria.”

The organization has put out a special plea to teachers to help with set-up Friday afternoon (Oct. 21) and Saturday starting at 9:00 a.m. in the teachers’ parking lot, as well as in some of the buildings.

“We are needing help painting the calk walk, setting up the bingo room, hanging lights on booths moving chairs and tables and plating desserts,” Riley said. “Help is also needed in the cafeteria, especially working shifts serving food.”

The Fall Fest booths and rides will operate from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m.

“We have one-hour shifts for each booth, which are normally filled by parents,” she said. “But anyone can volunteer – it’s not limited to just parents.”

Riley urged anyone willing to help to contact her at 214-663-3271, using a text message or phone call.

The costume contest has also been restructured slightly this year. It will begin at 5:15 p.m. in the parking lot. Registration is not required to participate. Eight categories will range from newborns up to fifth and sixth graders, then groups.

The cake walk and bingo will have separate times for adults and children.

Riley said that she hopes  parents and teachers will attend a very important meeting on Monday, Nov. 7 in the elementary cafeteria starting at 6:30 p.m.

“We will be discussing changes to the PTO and electing new officers,” she said. “We need everyone’s input and attendance to consider restructuring the PTO and its role moving forward.”