Campus and local community come together at Fall Carnival

BY CAROLINE CRAIN / News Editor 

The Office of Campus Life and Family Engagement hosted their annual Fall Carnival Oct. 25 at the O.A. Grant amphitheater.

The event featured student-run booths and welcomed members of both the campus and the broader Stephenville community.

Alecia Echols is a Stephenville local who attended the event with her family, including her two children.

“I loved letting our kids see that college kids can come together, make a holiday like this fun and exciting and get them excited about the campus and the students,” Echols said.

The event benefited not only visitors, but campus organizations.

Attendees purchased 25 cent tickets to use at various student-run activity booths. At the end of the night, students redeemed these tickets for funds to go toward their organizations.

Junior Mia Lombardo is the secretary of the American Sign Language club at Tarleton State University. Her organization ran the Jungle Train inflatable at the carnival.

“The money raised here helps a lot because it helps us put on more events for our members and different ways that we can support our philanthropy,” Lombardo said.

Around 30 student organizations were present at the carnival. Activities included inflatables, organization booths, food for purchase, face painting and more.

London Fair is the assistant director of Campus Life and Family Engagement. She shared her enthusiasm about the event to the Stephenville Chamber of Commerce.

“We are so excited to offer the Fall Carnival once again,” Fair said. “Our students love interacting with the youth of our community. This is a win-win for both our community and students. The youth get to have a fun night, and the student organizations receive the funds their booths make for club meetings and conferences.”

Many guests dressed in festive costumes, contributing to the lively atmosphere of the event.

Tarleton President James Hurley attended with his two daughters. His thoughts reflected the carnival’s energy. 

“I think it's incredible that we’re able to open up the campus to the community and allow all the little future Texans to come out,” Hurley said. “It's so much fun and we love seeing the little ones and just the community coming together. I'm really proud of our students and the faculty and staff that are out here putting this on for everyone.”