This weekend is Family Weekend, a great weekend for parents to bring you food from Costco, make your bed with fresh sheets, and take you down to Whiskey River for a much needed non-caf meal. There are many festivities that occur on Family Weekend, but one that is unique from the rest.

This Saturday, on Oct. 8, from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm the Fall Fest will be happening in the Linnaeus Arboretum. Many are unaware that this amazing event even happens; it is being put on for the seventh year this year and will be a great way for students and community members to mix together.

“The date for Fall Fest coincides very intentionally with Gustavus Family Weekend so that Gusties can explore and enjoy food in the Arboretum with their parents, siblings and other family members,” Scott Moeller said.

Many staff members use this as a way to connect with students and their own families, and enjoy the event thoroughly. Traditionally, the Fall Fest consists of food games, activities, entertainment, live animals, craft vendors, and autumn decor beneath the colorful trees of the Arb.

This year the Fest includes the ever-popular Arb Treasure Hunt, alpacas and alpaca products, hay rides, craft vendors of many varieties, and great food. There will also be border collie demonstrations, games and activities for kids, balloon animals, face-painting, live music by “G-Sharp” and “Jazztet,” and of course a magician!

Fall Fest has quickly gained popularity over the years. Attendance grows by several hundred people every year and last year’s great weather drew a record attendance of nearly 1,000 people. Admission to this event is completely free, but some food and activities do have a cost.

G-Sharp will be performing at noon. The Jazztet is a jazz combo that will perform at 11:30 am. More entertainment will be provided by Doug the Magician at 2 pm.

This year the Fall Fest is also tackling a special project for Climate Change Ribbon, with members of the River Prairie Network of Minnesota Interfaith Power and Light. This is an art ritual to, as the Climate Change Ribbon Organization discribes it, “grieve what each of us stands to lose to Climate Chaos, and affirm our solidarity as we fight against it.” Those attending will also have the chance to create art with “nature’s offerings” and go on walks through the available walks through the woods. At 1 pm and 3 pm the border collies return from previous years to present their agility and herding talents.

This will all be done in the midst of the Arboretum’s beautiful fall colors. The Arb has acres of prairies, woodlands, and ponds to enjoy. It also has miles of trails and amazing gardens to explore with family and friends this coming Saturday. Attendees of the Fall Fest are encouraged to come and go at their leisure and enjoy the space named for 18th century Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus; to enjoy the space specially designed to represent Minnesota’s three major ecosystems.

This event is perfect for just about anyone. Those who love the outdoors, have not explored the Arb yet, or have siblings visiting in need of a break from Family Weekend activities. Younger and older siblings alike will love the beautiful scenery the Arb has to offer and the many activities planned that could keep just about anyone occupied for hours. Parents will love the opportunity to get Christmas gift buying out of the way at the craft tables and getting their children out from behind their screens and out, about enjoying nature, and spend some quality time in the Arb with our families.