Octoberfest 2015 at Gardner-Webb University will take place Thursday, Oct. 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at GWU's Tucker Student Center. The community is invited to attend the free fall festival that features games, crafts, prizes and candy for children of all ages. Gardner-Webb students, faculty and staff dress in costumes and sponsor family-friendly booths with a variety of activities. Community members are encouraged to wear creative costumes and enjoy a celebration of the fall season together with the Gardner-Webb family.
The annual event is sponsored by the GWU Office of Community Engagement and offers a safe and fun way for children and families in the community to enjoy festivities of the fall season. Gardner-Webb has been providing the fall celebration for more than 15 years.
"We can all agree it's a good thing for kids to have fun in a safe environment," says Micah Martin, director of student leadership development and community engagement at Gardner-Webb. "It's a good demonstration of serving while asking for nothing in return."
Inflatable rides and hayrides will also be offered as weather permits.
"These festivities started years ago when a group of professors and staff members decided they wanted to do a Trunk-or-Treat-style program for local children's homes," Martin says. "It has ballooned into an event that served 550 kids and their parents last year. It's all about the kids having fun."

By APRIL HOYLE SHAUF
Special to Shelby Shopper

Photos courtesy Gardner-Webb University