The office of Student Engagement and Activities (SEA) of San Jacinto College South Campus will host Fall Fest today, an annual event aimed at supporting the campus’s student organizations while offering the surrounding area a low-cost entertainment option.

SEA Coordinator Daniel Byars said the festival started as a small gathering of student groups, but today is a campus-wide initiative that attracts hundreds of guests each year.

“Fall Fest provides an opportunity for the students to serve the local community by offering a free event to bring people together,” he said, “and show how great the student organizations are.”

Furthermore, Byars noted, some student groups use Fall Fest as a venue to gather funding for their operating needs as well as club initiatives.

“Many organizations use these fundraising opportunities to raise money for philanthropy and to represent the college in various state and national competitions,” he added.

Participation in Fall Fest is open to all campus clubs and organizations. This year, the Center for Student Development, Orientation & Campus Tours, and the office of Educational Planning, Counseling, and Completion are taking part, along with 15 student organizations.

Coordinator for Career Services Brittany Bonds said, “This event provides a place for families to participate in fall activities, as well as introduce them to the college as a whole.”

The entertainment lineup features music, food, a basketball toss, train rides, a rock wall, games and crafts, a petting zoo, jump houses, and a costume contest open to all ages.

Lastly, Bonds added, “I hope to see this event continue to be a staple in the community and with San Jacinto College, as well as continue to grow and develop.”

Fall Fest takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. today, Oct. 27 in the gymnasium (S21) and parking lot P21b on the South Campus.