The multi-colored balloons on the Pace fence bordering West Paces Ferry signal that the 54th annual Fall Fair is almost here. From rides to games to the haunted house, the fall fair brings together students of all ages, parents and teachers to enjoy a fun event midway through the semester. The Pace Academy Parents Club toils each year to make sure the food, games, music, volunteers and rides are all in place for the community to enjoy. The fair’s popularity is so widespread that it even attracts families and students from other schools.
This year’s theme for the fair is “Superheroes.” All of the fair favorites will return, including over a dozen inflatables and rides, the MASH tent, a superhero-style Glamourama, the candy house, the haunted house, karaoke, the cupcake walk, visits from Atlanta sports teams, and much more. In keeping with the superhero spirit, the fair will offer jousting, ninja training walls, giant slides, and even bungee jumping. The community’s superpowers will be put to the test with outdoor laser tag, drone flying and other surprise events.
The Pace cheerleaders volunteer to supervise the younger kids and show them around to the different rides and games, which is a big source of excitement for the kids. “Taking the kids around is always a blast,” said junior Devan Johnson. “They really look up to us and they see us as role models.”
One of the biggest hits at the fair is the sophomore-run haunted house. In their spooky costumes and masks, the sophomores hide and frighten the passing children. “Volunteering at the haunted house last year was a great thrill,” said junior Andrew Ladden. “The kids’ screaming echoed throughout the whole school.”
Students and parents alike sell a variety of products at tents set up throughout campus. Funds raised through the Fall Fair support programs such as the Citizens of the World Travel Grant Program, environmental initiatives, global leadership programming, professional development for faculty and staff, the arts and athletics, and much more.
The Fall Fair is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on the school’s main campus. In addition to free parking at The Forum building parking deck at 3290 Northside Parkway, Pace offers a shuttle bus to and from the deck for all to use.