With the first day of fall finally arriving, rec centers like Joan & Alan Bernikow JCC of Staten Island and the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina are focusing on providing enjoyable community fall events.
Specifically, JCC of Staten Island held its Fall Harvest Festival, and YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina will also be holding its own annual Fall Festival.
Kara Roche, the director of marketing and communications at JCC of Staten Island, said fall festivals and similar such events are a wonderful way to bring together mission and marketing.
“As a community center, we’re committed to providing activities and spaces where families and children can have fun together,” said Roche. “As a free public event, our Fall Harvest Festival is accessible to the whole community and creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels included. In short, it supports our mission.”
Something for Everyone
The JCC’s Fall Harvest Festival featured inflatables, Rosh Hashanah, fall crafts, face painting, balloon art and music. There was also soccer and Krav Maga demos, which offered families a taste of the JCC’s overall fall program offerings. For the YMCA’s festival, the focus will be on offering a variety of family-friendly activities. Molly Giffin, communications specialist at YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina, said guests can enjoy inflatable bounce houses, classic carnival games, a festive costume contest with prizes and creepy crawler fun with critters from Camp Kirkwood.
“We also will have scheduled activities and games in our gym and community partners joining the festival, like the Harrelson Center and Coastal Horizons,” said Giffin. “Additionally, attendees can check in upon arrival for a chance to win a free three-month family YMCA membership at any of the three local branches: Midtown YMCA, Sampson County YMCA or the Nir Family YMCA.”
Giffin said the YMCA’s event aims to bring families and neighbors together in a safe, fun and engaging environment, creating opportunities for shared experiences and lasting memories.
“By offering a wide variety of activities, the YMCA hopes to foster community connections, and highlight the resources and programs available through the Y,” said Giffin. “While the fall festival is free for anyone attending, we hope our guests consider bringing a canned good donation or making a small contribution to our Annual Campaign, which in turn helps support our local community in need.”
Building Support
Roche said the JCC had a great turnout for its festival even in spite of rainy weather, forcing a last-minute pivot to move the festival indoors.
“Hundreds of families attended,” said Roche. “They were so thankful to have something fun and free to enjoy as a family on such a gloomy day. The energy throughout the event was very joyful. Since the festival also functions as an open house, parents were able to interact directly with the people who run our programs by asking questions and receiving valuable information about our services. This was a great opportunity to build those one-on-one connections that are so important when recruiting.”
Roche addd the Fall Harvest Festival serves as the kickoff to the J’s fall semester of youth activities like music, sports and art. The hope is each year the event translates into additional signups for fall programs.
Giffin said with fall being such a a special season for families, a festival gives everyone a chance to slow down, come together and celebrate what makes this time of year so meaningful.
“For us at the Y, these events are about more than just a fun evening — they’re about creating connections, building friendships, and showing the Y is here to support people year-round,” said Giffin. “We’re proud to offer programs and activities for all ages and abilities, from swim lessons and family fun nights to community blood drives, nutrition classes, overnight camps at YMCA Camp Kirkwood, and even trips for our active older adults. The Fall Festival is one highlight of the season, but it’s really part of something bigger.”
Final Tips and Advice
For other rec centers searching for success with community fall events, Roche advised to be mindful of other events taking place in your community.
“Fall is a busy time with back-to-school and the upcoming holidays,” said Roche. “When planning your event, try to have a unique offering, free or low-cost admission, and be sure there are no competing events scheduled on the same date that may draw away your attendance.”
She added in the J’s five years of hosting the festival, they’ve also learned how important it is to have enough staff on-site to support such a large event. As it’s grown in size, it has evolved to better meet the needs of those attending.
“It’s important to evaluate your events continually — especially annual events — to ensure you’re continuing to deliver high-quality programming,” said Roche.
Giffin said the YMCA has learned that keeping events free or low-cost and accessible goes a long way.
“When families know they can come together, have fun without breaking the bank and feel welcomed no matter their stage of life, the turnout is always strong and the impact even greater,” said Giffin. “The Fall Festival is just one example, and we want to keep building on that tradition by continuing to offer fun, inclusive experiences while also growing alongside our neighbors. As our town changes and the needs of families shift, we’ll keep listening and adapting so we can meet people where they are and provide the kind of events that make them feel connected, supported and part of something bigger.”
