by the LCCTC Eage Staff

It was a year and 1/2 in the making — the “reboot” of the LCCTC Fall Festival (formerly named LCCTC Craft Show). Three LCCTC teachers — Leah Cozza, Amanda DeSimone, and Donna Pasterik — were the masterminds of this event, ensuring that every predictable T was crossed and every I was dotted.

They couldn’t have planned a more perfect weather day if they tried. October 5th was the perfect amount of sun and warmth as hundreds gathered to enjoy hand-crafted items, bake sale goods, direct sale vendors, food trucks, raffles, a mobile petting zoo, face painting, hair tinseling, princess accessories, and more! There was even a book talk by local author and LCCTC teacher, Randy Ryan! In all, the community strolled the hallways and enjoyed 175 different booths!

In their bright orange t-shirts, Peer Leaders were everywhere — assisting with parking, helping vendors set up and tear down, delivering lunches made by the school’s Restaurant Trades program, and being a presence to help in any way needed Proceeds from the festival go to help many school-related campaigns sponsored by Peer Leadership including the Food Pantry, the Linen Closet, the Eagle’s Nest Boutique, and Thanksgiving Turkey Boxes. Peer Leaders have also raised funds for outside organizations such as the United Way, the Wounded Warrior Project, and Brave Gowns for Children’s Hospital.

“Thank you for all the work everyone put into making it a success,” states vendor Jamie Malloy of Jamie’s Scent Shoppe. “I was especially thankful for the entourage of students that followed me to my spot with all my stuff...it was a nice surprise as I didn't realize they were all behind me! Jamie's Scent Shoppe will be back next year!”

“You guys were amazing!” states vendor Shaclecha Stoddard. “The kids were very helpful and the young man helping with parking was amazing”

There is so much that goes into an event like this that benefits so many small business owners including making sure the building is ready with tables, keeping up with trash and clean bathrooms, ensuring computer access, manning tables and booths for school-related programs, overseeing raffles and door prizes, running a van shuttle for both the vendors and those who struggle with mobility, and more! It was a true whole-school endeavor.

“It is heartwarming to see our building come together to support our students,” states Donna Pasterik, science teacher and Peer Leadership advisor.

As posted in the Facebook page, here is a message to the vendors and all who participated: “

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of our vendors and customers! Vendors, thank you for your patience as we navigated this much bigger event. We have spoken to many of you and notes have been made for next year. A vendor survey will be going out in the next few weeks. We look forward to your feedback. Overall, we had beautiful weather and a fantastic community turnout! Thank you and see you next year!'“

Judging from the overall success, this will be the first of many more annual Fall Festivals to come at LCCTC.

You can contact the organizers of the LCCTC Fall Festival via email: LCCTCCraftShow@lcvt.tec.pa.us

We also encourage you to follow them on their Facebook page to get the latest updates: https://www.facebook.com/LCCTCCraftShow