Mega Doctor News
EDINBURG, Texas – For many children, Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year, filled with costumes, candy and festive activities.
While the holiday may still be days away, South Texas Health System (STHS) Children’s gave Rio Grande Valley families an early start to the celebration during its annual Children’s Fall Festival on Friday, October 23.
From carnival rides and interactive games to an illuminated spooky forest and more than 50 booths filled with tricks and treats, the hospital campus was transformed into a Halloween wonderland for more than 7,000 attendees, many of whom arrived in costume for the Valley’s can’t-miss event of the spooky season.
Check out the gallery below for more images of the Fall Festival. All photos courtesy of STHS
“This is our second year coming, and my kids absolutely love it,” said Leslie Acuna. “There’s so much for them to do, from the rides to the games and all the really cool booths with candy.”
One of the evening’s most popular attractions was the children’s dance floor, where youngsters waved colorful glow sticks and showed off their best moves to festive tunes and seasonal favorites.
From spooky creatures and classic Halloween characters to superheroes and princesses, costumes of every kind filled the festival grounds as children made their way from booth to booth collecting candy, playing games and exploring the event’s many attractions. The first 500 children received a complimentary STHS Children’s collector’s T-shirt and a free scoop of ice cream courtesy of Golden Ice Cream.
For parents, the Children’s Fall Festival offered more than just an evening of entertainment. It provided an opportunity to watch their children celebrate in a safe, welcoming environment while creating lasting memories together.
“As a parent, it’s nice to have somewhere you can bring your kids and feel comfortable knowing they’re in a safe environment,” said KCI Hernandez. “They get to dress up and collect candy, and we get to enjoy watching them have a good time. It’s a great event for families.”
Since 2007, STHS Children’s has welcomed Valley families to its annual trick-or-treat celebration, which has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated holiday traditions.
“There’s nothing quite like seeing the excitement on children’s faces as they enjoy everything our Children’s Fall Festival has to offer,” said Lance Ames, Chief Executive Officer of STHS Children’s and STHS Edinburg. “This event is something we look forward to every year because it gives us an opportunity to connect with families outside the hospital setting and provide children with a fun, safe place to celebrate.”
The annual Children’s Fall Festival was made possible through the support of STHS facilities and departments, local businesses, government agencies and community organizations that came together to create festive displays, distribute treats and provide engaging activities for children of all ages.
Through events like the Children’s Fall Festival, STHS Children’s continues its commitment to supporting the health and well-being of Valley families, not only through exceptional pediatric care but also through meaningful community engagement.
“As we celebrate 20 years of serving the Valley as the region’s first dedicated children’s hospital, we’re incredibly grateful for the support families have shown us throughout the years,” said Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations for STHS. “The Children’s Fall Festival is one small way we can give back to the community that has supported our mission for two decades. It’s especially rewarding to see thousands of families come together to create a fun, safe experience where children can make memories, enjoy being kids and celebrate the season together.”
For hospitalized patients unable to attend, STHS Children’s made sure they were included in the festivities by providing special goodie bags, sugar-free ice cream and other treats so they wouldn’t miss out on the celebration.
To learn more about upcoming family-friendly events hosted by STHS Children’s, visit the hospital’s Facebook Events page. For more information about the comprehensive
