LVCC Fall Children's Festival Brings Large Crowd

LVCC's Campus Center, which has been in operation since 1976, held its first fall festival for the south side Bethlehem community nearly 30 years ago. In the early years, parents of enrolled children and LVCC staff planned and operated the activities. Families still look forward to the event every year.

Three generations of the Martinez family enjoyed
LVCC's Fall Children's Festival.

One particular family has seen two generations of children attend LVCC's Campus Center and the family festivals.

We look forward to the festival," Iris Martinez exclaimed. "We've been talking about it for the last few weeks."

Iris attended LVCC as a student almost 30 years ago. Her three school-age children have been attending LVCC's Campus Center since they were infants.

The support of the community plays an instrumental part in the festival's success.

"Families have been awesome this year," organizer and LVCC Infant Teacher Sharon DeBoer commented. "We had so many baked goods that the families donated for our fundraiser. It was overwhelming." 

Since it's conception, the free event has grown to include not only staff and families, but also a number of organizations working in partnership with LVCC. Joining once again in the festivities this year, Cops 'n' Kids promoted reading with free books for the children. While demonstrating features on their fire truck, the Bethlehem Fire Department discussed fire safety.

LVCC staff, with the help of Lehigh University student volunteers from the Community Service Office and CARE Lab Research Team, operated a children's activity area with raffles, games and prizes. Activities featured face painting, temporary tattoos, and a balloon animal station. As a special treat, the children had the opportunity to meet Elsa from Frozen.

"This year's crowd has been the biggest ever," exclaimed Olga Calderon, organizer and LVCC toddler teacher.

LVCC hopes to continue the tradition for years to come!

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