Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Clark County Extension Office – located off Fortune Drive – has much that citizens of Clark County can utilize.

On Saturday, Oct. 7, it will give something back to the community.

One year after its first edition, the extension office will once again host its Fall Festival from 5-7 p.m.

“Our whole goal is…to create a day of a fun environment for families and everybody to come out to, but we [also] want people to come here [and] to become familiar with [Clark County] Extension [Office] and just who we are”, said Carrie Spry, extension agent for horticulture. “If we can offer just a great event to draw people in and help educate [them], that’s our goal. If you are familiar with Extension already, then you have an opportunity to come in and just hang out with us and have a good time. That’s great, too.”

According to its website, the Clark County Extension Office – as part of the University of Kentucky and Kentucky State University off-campus information network – offers information, education, and more, focusing on better communities, stronger economies, and healthier lives.

Several extension programs are available in Clark County, including 4-H Youth Development, agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, horticulture and community and economic development.

“We’ll have an expo area set up in our annex where they can learn about extension,” Spry said.

Last year, over 500 people attended the Fall Festival.

This year, hopes are high for an even larger attendance.

Many new activities are scheduled, as are returning ones.

Among the activities will be pumpkin painting and a fishing casting contest.

“You can just take a pumpkin. You don’t have to paint it, but we do have our pumpkin painting station,” Spry said. “[If] you catch fish, you get entered to win a fishing pole with a reel on it.”

There will also be flower bulb planting demos with free flower bulbs.

Self-led games, such as cornhole, will be available.

Plus, along with different toys and games that feature some inflatables, attendees will find a photo station to commemorate their appearance at the event.

Those who attend and participate will have ample food and drink to select from, including free hot dogs, chili, popcorn, an apple nacho bar, cotton candy, and much more.

Spry was asked what she hoped to see from the community.

“Smiling faces,” she responded. “I just hope to see happy smiling faces come out and have a good evening with us.”

It adds to a rewarding feeling.

“I’ve lived in Clark County my entire life, but I’ve only worked here [for] the last two,” Spry said. “Making those connections with the community, those are great.”