The third annual StanFest, hosted by Associated Students, Inc., which took place on Sep. 15 at California State University, Stanislaus, lived up to its name – the atmosphere truly felt like a carnival.
The Saturday event, from 10 a.m to 2 p.m, welcomed family, students and faculty members to the community carnival.
During check in attendees received a neon yellow bracelet, a definite eye-catcher. This bracelet gave guests access to a variety of activities offered such as face-painting, airbrush tattoos, games, bounce houses and delicious snacks. Some of these yummy snacks included popcorn, shaved ice cones, pink cotton candy, refreshments and food.
Many of the activities offered at the StanFest community carnival allowed parents, grandparents, friends and CSU Stanislaus students to interact with one another.  
“[We] mostly came here for my son, Mateo, but we’re enjoying our stay, and it’s been very welcoming,” said the Vaughan family, residents of Turlock .
The free carnival games were a popular hit for everyone who attended StanFest. Guests enjoyed a bean bag toss, tic-tac toe, ring toss, back board toss, higher or lower, sky dart, penny pincher and bowling. The games did not seem to limit anyone from playing–even parents joined in the fun with their children.  
One perk to these free games was winning tickets. This had some of the children excited, prompting them to ask the staff working the prize booth how much each gift was worth. Prizes included crayons, coloring books, beach balls, beads, pencils, bubble-blowers, stickers and much more.
Overall, this festival had a wonderful turnout with the community and students.
“It’s been really great, everyone is really nice, and I’m enjoying all that stuff that’s out here. It’s exciting,” Emilie Gomez (freshman, Pre-Nursing) said.
Although StanFest focused on being more family-oriented and bringing the community together, students of CSU Stanislaus still took a liking to the event.
“I like it. It’s fun. It’s the first activity ever that I’m enjoying, ” Adriana Perez (freshman, Criminal Justice) said.
StanFest was an entertaining event that attracted students, the community and faculty members. For students, if you missed out on the fun, you can catch the second part of Stanfest on Sep. 22, which will include a concert featuring R&B artist Jeremih along with student and alumni acts.  Make sure to get your free tickets at the Warrior Activities Center before Sep. 21.