Mel Pardock – Staff Writer

The Arboretum Fall Festival is a celebration held at the Arboretum on the Gustavus Adolphus College grounds yearly. This year it is taking place Saturday, Oct. 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This Saturday is also falling on Family Weekend, allowing the family members of Gusties to explore the Arb and take part in the festivities. 

“There will be fall-related activities, crafts, and snacks. We’ll have alpacas, nature presentations, and environmental programming for all ages. There will also be an opportunity to help us with flower bulb planting to celebrate the Arb’s 50th Anniversary next spring,” alum and staff member Samuel Scott Mendoza said. 

The Festival is also following this year’s Nobel Conference, and the Arboretum staff believes that the Arb can be a great place for Gusties to go to take a load off and put themselves at ease. 

“Our Nobel Conference this year has taught us so much about the importance of mental health, and we see the Arb as an important part of the discussion for our community. It’s a place that’s open to everyone, no matter your background. You aren’t expected to do anything or be anyone,” Mendoza said. 

This Fest provides the community a way to experience the Arb and learn how important it is to the community. This is also one of the first events to be held in the Arb since it was renamed last year. 

“Fall Festival is a great way to experience the Arb with the community. We see the Arb as the ‘front porch’ of Gustavus, the natural place where we welcome and interact with the wider Saint Peter community,” Mendoza said.