Slideshow: Lower visitor turnout at Fall Fest doesn’t slow the fun

October 18, 2022
Updated: October 25, 2022 - 6:59 PM
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Community, Multimedia

Texas A&M University-San Antonio held its 14th annual Fall Fest on Oct. 15, 2022. Festival attendance was lower this year, but that didn't stop visitors from having fun. Photo by Amber Esparza

Jose Gonzales takes a fresh funnel cake out of an oil vat. Gonzales's company, "Sweet Rentals," has been a third-party food vendor for festivals at A&M-SA for the last five years. Student organizations also had the opportunity to sell drinks, snacks and other treats to raise money for their clubs during the festival. Photo by Amber Esparza

Four-year-old Lacy Ramirez (left) and General the Jaguar during A&M-San Antonio's 14th annual Fall Fest. Lacy's father, Mitchell Ramirez, said their favorite part of the event is the food and activities for children. Photo by Amber Esparza

Jesse Lopez, a marketing senior at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, poses for photos in the pumpkin patch during Fall Fest. Lopez is a member of the university's Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, which sold sausage wraps and aguas frescas during the event. Photo by Amber Esparza

Jalynn Pittman (green blouse) takes a spin on the "rock-in-roll" amusement ride in the activity area during the 14th annual Fall Fest. Pittman said the ride was her favorite part of the festival. All amusement rides and games were free of charge and could be used unlimitedly throughout the day. Photo by Amber Esparza

Chris Rodriguez, a business freshman at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, walks away with prizes in hand after winning a second round of balloon darts. Participants had to pop three balloons in a row to win a prize. Photo by Amber Esparza

Dero, lead guitarist for music group The C.I.T.Y., performs at Texas A&M University-San Antonio's Fall Festival. The C.I.T.Y. closed out the night with their show and gave a shout-out to event coordinator Jarrick Brown for inviting them back to the university to perform again at this year's festival. Photo by Amber Esparza

Patrice Campbell, a psychology junior at Texas A&M University-San Antonio, cheers with friends during The C.I.T.Y.'s concert in the Madla Quad on Oct. 15, 2022. The live music performance was the last hoorah of the night. Photo by Amber Esparza

Texas A&M University-San Antonio held its 14th annual Fall Fest Oct. 15.

The festival was hosted by the Campus Activities Board, put together by the student body for university organizations to raise funds for their clubs. The event was open to the public.

Jarrick Brown, an assistant director of student involvement at A&M-San Antonio, said there was a drop in attendance at this year’s festival compared to last year’s visitor count of about 1,200. No official count for this year’s festival is yet available as of today.

Brown said the change in attendance could be linked to the lingering social effects of the pandemic, saying, “Everyone wanted to be back outside last year” and this year, people just weren’t as eager to get out.

“The attendees who did come out enjoyed their time,” Brown said.

The most popular student organization booth was the Kinesiology Club’s snack stand, which sold snow cones and frito pies throughout the event.

As for the festival attractions, rides and games, Brown said, “There were kids on all the rides throughout the day.”

The event is “a nice little fall break” that symbolizes the beginning of the season and the half-way point of the fall semester, Brown said.

About the Author

Amber Esparza

Arts, Culture & Entertainment Editor

Amber Esparza is a senior communications major and Managing Editor for The Mesquite at Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Amber joined The Mesquite in spring 2021 as a Photo and Multimedia Editor after transferring from the Alamo Colleges with an associate’s degree in communication. Amber has extensive experience in photography, journalism and radio, television and film. In her spare time, Amber enjoys thrift shopping, doing deep dives on the music she’s listening to and watching movies, TV and YouTube. Amber hopes to build a career that can incorporate all of her passions for media and entertainment.