This year’s Fall Family Festival brought together students, families and staff for an evening of laughter, connection and community. This event, hosted by the ASCUI team, featured a variety of fall-themed booths and activities. From delicious caramel apples and comforting hot chocolate to axe-throwing, bouquet-making and a photo booth, all there to celebrate the fall season and the people who make campus feel like home. 

For Kyra Arnold, ASCUI Club Commissioner, the highlight of the event was “probably the interactivity of the students and families.” Arnold added, “I got to interact with the senators [student leaders] and loved seeing everyone connect with each other.”

The festival, which is a longstanding campus tradition, has been held for over two decades. This year, the festival welcomed an estimated 300 attendees, including students and their families. Arnold noted that this year’s event felt particularly smooth and well-executed. “I feel like it was a lot more organized…everyone knew what to do,” she said. “There were many more families that came out, which was really cool to see.” 

Brody Collins, ASCUI president, echoed the enthusiasm for the community turnout. “For me, the best part was seeing all the families come here and all the communities being built,” he said. “Seeing us give back to the community…it was awesome.” 

The Fall Family Festival is more than just fun and games; it’s about creating space for connections. Collins emphasized how the event helps strengthen the campus community. “The festival gives students a break and helps them release the stress of school,” he said. “They [students] aren’t asked to do anything; they’re just there to enjoy their time with their friends and family. That’s what building community.” 

Between organizing and troubleshooting the booths, Arnold credited the other ASCUI members and the student senate team, which consisted of about 20 students and five faculty members, for the event’s success. She also mentioned alumni who contributed, providing the photo booth and the coffee stand. 

Even with the large turnout, both Arnold and Collins agreed that few changes are needed for future years. “I think it ran really well,” Arnold said. “Our team was very involved this year, and they really wanted to see it come through.” Collins added, “I kind of loved what the Fall Family Festival is. I think we can simply emulate what we did this year for the years to come.”

There were some minor hiccups in the setup. “Landon and I were stringing up string lights, and the lights kept pulling the tents down… but once we got that fixed, it ran smoothly,” Brody recalled with a laugh. 

As the evening came to a close, ASCUI and the Senate students watched the families with warm smiles, taking in the new memories they shared under the twinkling lights. 

The next big event, “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” will partner with Biola and Vanguard universities and take place on Fri., Nov. 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. Students can look forward to another night of community, music and school spirit. 

Tags: fall, ASCUI, community

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