Polk State FallFest returns to the Winter Haven campus Saturday, Oct. 10

Editorial graphic by Winter Haven Community Website. Illustrative blurred community background: Wesley Chapel, Florida (August 2024), LittleT889 / Wikimedia Commons (CC0). Photo source · License

Polk State College's FallFest returns to its Winter Haven Campus at 999 Avenue H N.E. on Saturday, Oct. 10, running 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The college says admission is free and the event goes on rain or shine.

What's on campus

Polk State says this year's festival has more than 100 booths from local vendors, businesses and college clubs. Craft sellers are spread across campus, and the college's event page describes original country crafts, wood working, clothing and glass works among the handmade items.

Families can also expect games, a haunted house built inside a classroom by Physical Therapist Assistant students, and a Kids Zone that includes LaSertoma's Pumpkin Patch. Polk State's EMS program runs a Team Day in which paramedic students work a simulated crash scene, with police agency demonstrations nearby. Athletic teams and clubs sell food and drinks from tables in the center of campus.

Skinny McGee and the Handshakes headlines the music lineup, with sets from the Polk State Music Department, the Chain O'Lakes Big Band and others.

Where the money goes

FallFest doubles as a fundraiser. Portions of craft booth sales go to the Polk State College Foundation, which the college says provides roughly $1.2 million in scholarships for Polk State students each year, while club activities and food sales raise money for student organizations. Proceeds from the LaSertoma pumpkin patch support that group's charitable work.

Nancy Lozell, Program Director for The Arts at Polk State, called the festival "a cherished tradition at Polk State College, bringing the community together year after year." The college dates FallFest to 1987.

If you want a booth

Polk State set booth registration to stay open until Oct. 5. Outdoor booths are $60, a limited number of indoor spots are $70, and booths for businesses promoting themselves are $100. Questions go to fallfest@polk.edu or 863.297.1050; the FallFest office is in the Winter Haven Fine Arts Building, room WFA 147A.