09/20/2024
Thank you, Carlsbad Local !! We look forward to seeing everyone for Fall-a-palloza on Oct 5th!!
Fallapalooza is Coming
By Misty Cryer
Fall is more than the turning of leaves, harvest season, cooler weather, and the appearance of pumpkin spice in coffee shops in Carlsbad. It is a time to make memories at the family-friendly event that is full of fun—the 14th annual Fallapalooza. This event is hosted by multiple local churches and made possible by generous sponsors and helpful volunteers. This free event brings smiles to faces of all ages as this community event.
Chelsea Layton, Children’s Ministry Coordinator for Sunset Church of Christ, shared details about the event. “Fallapalooza this year is October 5. It is taking place in the Beach Bandshell area. It is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and it is completely free to the public,” she said.
“There are things included like obstacle courses, bouncy houses—inflatables, pony rides, and a petting zoo,” Layton said. “We will have carnival games—candy as prizes. We’ll have face painting, free popcorn, and water,” she said.
“We have something new from last year that we will carry on this year. We have a scavenger hunt for Bible characters. When the kids find all of the Bible characters—there are actually actors walking around the area—they can go to a prize booth and get a small prize,” Layton said. “There also will be a limited number of free Bibles given,” she said.
In addition to the free activities, Layton said there will be food truck vendors there if people want to purchase food. “Everything else is free,” she said.
Layton said this is her second year serving on the Fallapalooza board, although her church has participated for many years. “It is hosted by six local churches,” she said. These include First Methodist Church, First Baptist Church, St. Edward Catholic Church, Sunset Church of Christ, Church of God of Prophecy, and Grace Episcopal Church. “We meet year-round to plan things,” she said, explaining that the planning board starts meeting in the spring and meets once a month until the event gets closer, then they meet frequently.
“It is locally funded and sponsored by businesses,” Layton said. “We display the sponsors at Fallapalooza—we have a big whiteboard—it is long. Without those donations, it would be very difficult to do,” she said.
“We accept donations year-round,” said Layton. She said that parties interested in contributing to Fallapalooza can contact any of the hosting churches. For donations, she recommended contacting First Methodist Church. “That is our point of contact for finances,” she said.
Layton also expressed appreciation for volunteers who help with Fallapalooza. “They help us run the games, inflatables, face painting, popcorn, etc.,” she said.
“Fallapalooza would not be possible without the host churches, donations from local businesses, and the numerous volunteers from local community groups and school organizations,” said Layton.
“I love the energy and the atmosphere of Fallapalooza. I truly love seeing the community come out—the families come out and enjoy something that is safe and positive that they can participate in together, and that is all offered for free,” Layton said. “Of course, we hope that there are seeds planted there, that they see the light of Jesus within all of us that are volunteering. We just love seeing that they can come out and have a safe place to spend their Saturday,” she said.
