Galveston College will host its 2019 Fall Festival on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the Abe and Annie Seibel Foundation Wing lawn of the main campus at 4015 Avenue Q, Galveston, Texas.

The festival is open to the public. Children are welcome.

Now in its 12th year, the festival is hosted by the Galveston College Student Government Association and the Office of Student Activities under the direction of Cynthia Parra, coordinator of Student Activities.

“Galveston College began the festival shortly after Hurricane Ike to bring the community together and to give the children of the island some consistency in the aftermath of tragedy,” said Parra. “The event has continued to grow over the years and has become a Galveston College tradition along with Spring Fling during the spring semester.”

Highlights of the festival will include music, games, inflatable bounce houses, activity booths, food and many more attractions that are sponsored by the Office of Student Activities, student clubs and organizations.

In conjunction with the Fall Festival, the Office of Financial Aid will host its semiannual FAFSA Fest, featuring a Halloween theme, “Don’t Fear the FAFSA,” from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Abe and Annie Seibel Foundation Wing.

FAFSA Fest is designed to help students and their families navigate the sometimes-challenging financial aid process. Current and prospective students can get help completing the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in addition to having other questions answered. Students who complete their FAFSAs that day will be entered into a drawing for prizes.

The FAFSA application period for the 2020-2021 academic year opened on Oct. 1. Students should bring their families’ 2018 income and tax information. Students under the age of 18 should bring a parent or guardian.

Activities and attractions sponsored by the Office of Student Activities, as well as FAFSA Fest, are free of charge. Student organizations may charge nominal fees for food items and other fundraisers in support of club activities such as attendance at professional conferences.

s, In the event of rain, the event will be located in the Hermes Fitness Center on campus.