Sunday, Nov. 16, the grounds of Lakewood High School buzzed with excitement as students, families and community members gathered once again for the school’s annual fall festival. Organized entirely by the members of LHS’s Student Council, the event marked its second year with a big turnout and a host of new activities, all aimed at fostering school spirit and raising funds for the upcoming senior prom.

The festival was held in Lakewood High School’s cafeteria and gymnasium, transforming the inside of the school into a lively carnival atmosphere. With colorful banners, cheerful music, and the aroma of pizza and funnel cakes filling the air, the event showcased the hard work and enthusiasm of the student volunteers and officers.

All proceeds from the festival go toward the senior prom, set for late April. The Student Council members emphasized that this event is a vital part of their efforts to provide their classmates with a memorable and enjoyable prom night. “The goal of this is to make prom more accessible to everybody in the senior class,” said LHS junior and Student Council member Chelsea Payne.

Last year’s first festival was a success, but this year’s event aimed to raise the bar, with additional activities, more food options, and increased community involvement.

One of the festival’s main attractions was the wide variety of food run by student volunteers. Attendees could indulge in classic carnival treats like funnel cake, pizza and soda, as well as hot chocolate and homemade treats. All sales directly support the prom fund, making every bite a step closer to the big night. Jessica Murphy, the Student Council advisor, said, “We like to get creative and think outside the box and do more than just clothing fundraisers or dine-and-donates; we like to get creative and think of fun things that bring community members together where we can all have fun and meet others from around Lakewood.”

The carnival games drew children of all ages, offering both fun and friendly competition. Among the favorites were the High Striker, your classic hammer-and-bell test of strength; ring toss; football throw (throwing a football through a target); and kicking a soccer ball into a goal. In addition to the games, children enjoyed hands-on creative activities like craft stations, where they could make fall-themed arts and crafts; cookie decorating tables, which proved to be a sweet success; and face painting by student volunteers. The festival also featured a potato sack race — a favorite that brought lots of laughs and friendly competition to the afternoon.

The fall festival is more than just a day filled with fun — it’s a celebration of school spirit and community. Organizers hope that the event will continue to instill a sense of pride and togetherness among students and families, only growing in the years to come. “I hope everyone who attends Fall Fest, either in the past or in the future, walks away knowing the dedication of our Student Council, their passion to involve the community and how lucky we are to have students like them devoted to helping and bringing the people of Lakewood together,” Murphy said.

Mia Dugan, LHS sophomore and Student Council member, was proud of how the festival turned out, bringing in just as much support as the previous year. “I think it showcases [the] Student Council’s hard work because it takes a lot to put on an event like this,” Dugan said. “It takes a lot of work to set up and run the games. So, I think that the kids had a lot of fun — so did we — and it really shows how hard everyone worked that day.”

With the success of this year’s festival, organizers are already planning for next year’s event, aiming to include even more activities and raise more funds for the senior prom. The event has become an important tradition at Lakewood, embodying the spirit of giving, community and celebration.

Whether you came to enjoy the delicious food, cheer on your friends during the games, or simply soak in the festive atmosphere, the fall festival proved to be a wonderful showcase of school pride and community spirit. As the event came to a close, many left with smiles and a sense of accomplishment — unbeknownst to them, they helped make a special night possible for the Class of 2026.