By Morgan Bryce
Associate Editor
Opelika’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Sportsplex are partnering together to host the beloved annual “Fall Festival and Children’s Carnival” Oct. 30 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Nearly 1,500 people attended last year’s event, an occasion that provides parents and children with a family-friendly environment to play and enjoy the festivities, according OPR Public Relation Coordinator Laura Leigh Chesser.
“This event is a safe alternative to trick-or-treating. It’s a great place to come, all fenced-in, well-lit, everything all in one spot, and there’s (plenty) for the kids to do while they’re there,” Chesser said.
There will be multiple booths offering children candy and games, a designated toddler area, hayrides, inflatables and more. Opelika High School mascots Ope and Lika will be in attendance along with members of the Auburn-Opelika Stormtroopers group.
Admission is free, but games require tickets, which cost 25 cents each. For $10, parents can purchase wristbands for their children for unlimited access to games and hayrides. Parents can also purchase their own wristband for $1 to accompany their children on the hayrides.
“There’s definitely an excitement in the air, it’s a festival-type atmosphere. You walk up and you see all the games lined up all the way up and down the length of two soccer fields,” Chesser said. “Then you smell all the different food vendors and the big inflatables and it just generates that excitement. It’s a fun time, everybody’s dressed up and really gets you in the spirit of Halloween.”
For more information about the event, visit www.opelika-al.gov or like and follow the Opelika Parks and Recreation Department Facebook page.
The Sportsplex is located at 1001 Andrews Road.