Falloween Fest & Carnival ## About the Event Falloween Fest & Carnival is a beloved community celebration that transforms John Glenn High School's campus into a nostalgic autumn wonderland each September. This family-friendly festival captures the magic of small-town living with a perfect blend of carnival excitement, live entertainment, athletic competition, and genuine community spirit. What makes Falloween truly special is its heart—nearly every dollar spent at the festival directly supports scholarships for John Glenn High School students, making your visit a meaningful contribution to local education. The festival embraces the charm of simpler times while offering modern entertainment and activities for all ages. Whether you're seeking thrilling carnival rides, delicious food, live music, or quality time with family and friends, Falloween delivers a weekend filled with fond memories and authentic small-town warmth. ## Activities & Attractions Falloween offers an impressive variety of entertainment and activities throughout the weekend. The carnival rides, presented by Huesman Amusement Company, operate continuously and provide classic fun for thrill-seekers of all ages. The grand parade kicks off the festivities with community spirit and pageantry, welcoming participants from local organizations and civic groups. Entertainment highlights include the returning Laser Puppet Show, an inspirational and visually stunning performance that captivates audiences of all ages with its innovative puppet artistry. The Matt Kalita Magic Show brings wonder and amazement to the auditorium stage, while the Memphis Underground band performs a dynamic mix of blues, Motown, rock, and funk that keeps crowds dancing and energized. Athletic events showcase local talent and community pride. The Softball 12U Invitational Tournament runs throughout the weekend, while John Glenn's varsity football game against LaVille High School takes place Friday evening. Saturday features the Old Timers Home Run Derby and Baseball Games, soccer matches between John Glenn and LaVille teams, and a Fun Run and 5K race for fitness enthusiasts. Families with young children will love the Petting Zoo and Kiddie Tractor Pull, offering gentle outdoor fun in a safe environment. The craft fair and vendor spaces showcase handmade goods and local artisan products, perfect for finding unique gifts and supporting small businesses. Food booths operated by local groups and organizations provide everything from classic festival fare to specialty cuisine. New in 2025, a Greek food vendor offers authentic gyros, baklava, and fresh-cut French fries with creative toppings. ## Schedule & Logistics Falloween Fest runs September 26–28, 2025, with activities spanning Friday afternoon through Sunday evening. Most daytime activities concentrate on Saturday and Sunday, with major entertainment performances scheduled strategically throughout the weekend. The Laser Puppet Show performs at 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, while the Magic Show runs at 1:30 p.m. and Memphis Underground takes the stage at 2:45 p.m. Admission and entertainment are completely free, making this an affordable family outing. The festival is fully handicapped accessible. Parking options include the high school west lot and soccer lot (nominal charges), First Presbyterian Church at 512 Georgia Street (free), and Walkerton United Methodist Church (donation-based). ## History & Heritage Falloween Fest began as a community and school fundraiser with a noble mission: providing scholarships while fostering deep community engagement. Since its inception, the festival has grown into a cherished annual tradition that has raised over $630,000 for student scholarships between 2009 and 2024. The event reflects strong participation from school clubs, sports teams, civic groups, and churches, demonstrating how a community can unite around a shared purpose. The festival's evolution showcases Walkerton's commitment to supporting education while celebrating local culture. Major sponsors including Everwise Credit Union, the Larry & Janet Hiler and Family Foundation, R & B Car Company, and Ellis Hardwoods Tree Service demonstrate strong local business investment in the community's future. For more information, contact John Glenn High School at (574) 586-3195 ext. 8216 or email the organizers directly.