Takoma Park's Fall Festival

A "Fall Festival" is taking place on Friday, October 31 as an alternative for students at Takoma Park Elementary School who do not celebrate Halloween.

Takoma Park Elementary School (TPES) principal Zadia Broadus said that the Fall Festival will take place at the same time as the normal Halloween festivities and will allow TPES students who do not celebrate Halloween to still have the opportunity to "play games and get candy."

Broadus said that the Festival was created to prevent the lack of attendance at the elementary school that has happened in previous years. "In the past, we've had a high absentee rate on Halloween. This [festival] will make sure that every child in the community is included," she said.

The Festival also ensures the attendance of those students who can't afford costumes for the Halloween festivities. She said that this has been a source many absences in the past as well.

The TPES community supports Broadus in her decision to create the festival. "The parent's have responded positively. Some parents have even volunteered to help at the festival," she said.