The annual Fall Family Fest is headed this way, and FAU’s Program Board is making it happen. Program Board has been working to make a few tweaks to Homecoming week’s traditional event. This year, the Fall Family Fest will have a more seasonal feel and feature a few surprises.

The ninth annual Fall Family Fest starts immediately after the Homecoming parade and serves as a chance to bring FAU’s community together in a carnival-like atmosphere.

The free event will feature roller coasters, face painters, caricatures and even a petting zoo among other activities to keep the participants involved.

President Mary Jane Saunders will host the Fall Family Fest on Oct. 26 at 5:30 p.m. at its traditional location on the Housing Lawn.

According to Homecoming Director Eric Marmer, the Fall Family Fest was going to take place in the Rat’s Mouth next to the FAU Football Stadium, however, those plans were nixed.

“FAU has such a beautiful campus,” Alicia Keating, director of Student Involvement & Leadership, said. “And the Housing Lawn is a great area to showcase its beauty.”

Keating is expecting the crowd to range anywhere from 2,500 to 3,000 with a mixture of students, faculty and residents from the community.

With Fall Family Fest falling just a few days before Halloween, Program Board has decided to gear the event’s theme toward the holiday.

“Unlike last year’s Fall Family Fest, this year will feature a more festive feel catering to the season,” Lexi Rosario, Program Board director, said. “You should expect to see things like pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns.”

The Fall Family Fest will be the last event of Homecoming week and will serve to place a perfect cap on Homecoming week as it culminates to the football game between FAU and Troy.

“The Fall Family Fest is a great testament to the spirit of the university,” Keating said. “It is a staple for Homecoming week and every year more and more people show up to the event and celebrate the FAU community.”