Mega Doctor News
EDINBURG, Texas – Halloween is the one time of year when imagination takes center stage, and for many children, it’s their favorite holiday. From larger-than-life decorations and creative costumes to candy-filled adventures, the season offers endless opportunities for fun and make-believe.
With that in mind, community organizations, local businesses and South Texas Health System (STHS) departments went all out for this year’s STHS Children’s Fall Festival, transforming the hospital campus into a festive destination for young trick-or-treaters.
More than 50 community organizations and hospital departments helped bring the celebration to life during the annual event on Friday, October 23, creating elaborate displays, interactive attractions and memorable experiences for more than 7,000 attendees. The most imaginative exhibits earned top honors in the hospital’s annual booth decorating competition.
From Ghostbusters and Disney to Harry Potter and Día de los Muertos, participants showcased their talents through immersive themes, hands-on activities and fun photo opportunities that entertained guests throughout the evening.
A panel of five judges selected first-, second- and third-place winners in three categories: Most Creative, Too Cute to Spook and Creeping It Cool, with community organizations and STHS departments competing in separate divisions.
Judges included Sergio Puente, meteorologist at KRGV Channel 5 News; Tawny Davis, morning anchor at CBS Rio Grande Valley; Gina Castañeda, vice principal at Mission CISD’s Escobar/Rios Elementary School; Alexia Serrata, morning and midday anchor at KVEO-TV NBC 23; and Fabiola Urgel Caporusso, Senior Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager at Vantage Bank.
Community Organization Winners:
Check out the gallery below with allow the winners and much more form the fall festival. All photos courtesy of STHS
Most Creative
1. Junior RGV Ghostbusters – Ghostbusters
2. Fast Signs – Carnival-Themed Display
3. Sonic – Avengers
Too Cute to Spook
1. South Texas College Child Development Department – Clifford
2. Capable Kids – Alice in Wonderland
3. Hidalgo County Precinct 4 – M&M’s
Creeping It Cool
1. MTS Ambulance – Haunted Ambulance
2. Liora Insurance – Coraline
3. Lone Star Ambulance – Area 911
STHS departments also joined in the competition with displays inspired by beloved movies, television shows and fan-favorite characters.
STHS Department Winners
Most Creative
1. STHS Rehabilitation Services – Disney
2. STHS Accounting – Willy Wonka
3. STHS Quality, Infection Prevention & Biomed – Harry Potter
Too Cute to Spook
1. STHS Supply Chain – Star Wars
2. STHS Edinburg Administration – Cars
3. STHS Coding – Pokémon
Creeping It Cool
1. STHS Marketing – Men in Black
2. STHS Heart – Día de los Muertos
3. STHS Central Scheduling – The Nightmare Before Christmas
Festival attendees also had the opportunity to vote for their favorite displays in the People’s Choice Award competition.
People’s Choice Award
1. STHS Rehabilitation Services
2. STHS Accounting
3. STHS Supply Chain
“The booth decorating contest has become one of the highlights of our Fall Festival because of the imagination and dedication that go into every display,” said Lance Ames, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Children’s and STHS Edinburg. “Our employees and community partners consistently raise the bar, creating immersive experiences that bring joy to thousands of children and families. Their enthusiasm and commitment help make this event a memorable tradition for the Rio Grande Valley.”
For nearly two decades, the STHS Children’s Fall Festival has been a cherished Rio Grande Valley tradition. What began as a community Halloween celebration has evolved into one of the region’s most anticipated seasonal events, welcoming thousands of children and their loved ones each year for an evening of costumes, candy and family-friendly fun.
To stay up to date on upcoming family-friendly events and community activities hosted by STHS Children’s, visit the facility’s Facebook Events page. To learn more about the comprehensive pediatric services available at STHS Children’s, visit www.southtexashealthsystemchildrens.com.
