Halloween is the one time of year when imagination takes center stage, and for many children, it's their favorite holiday. From larger-than-life decorations and creative costumes to candy-filled adventures, the season offers endless opportunities for fun and make-believe.
With that in mind, community organizations, local businesses and South Texas Health System (STHS) departments went all out for this year's STHS Children's Fall Festival, transforming the hospital campus into a festive destination for young trick-or-treaters.
More than 50 community organizations and hospital departments helped bring the celebration to life during the annual event on Friday, October 23, creating elaborate displays, interactive attractions and memorable experiences for more than 7,000 attendees. The most imaginative exhibits earned top honors in the hospital's annual booth decorating competition.
From Ghostbusters and Disney to Harry Potter and Día de los Muertos, participants showcased their talents through immersive themes, hands-on activities and fun photo opportunities that entertained guests throughout the evening.
A panel of five judges selected first-, second- and third-place winners in three categories: Most Creative, Too Cute to Spook and Creeping It Cool, with community organizations and STHS departments competing in separate divisions.
Judges included Sergio Puente, meteorologist at KRGV Channel 5 News; Tawny Davis, morning anchor at CBS Rio Grande Valley; Gina Castañeda, vice principal at Mission CISD's Escobar/Rios Elementary School; Alexia Serrata, morning and midday anchor at KVEO-TV NBC 23; and Fabiola Urgel Caporusso, Senior Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager at Vantage Bank.
Community Organization Winners
Most Creative
Too Cute to Spook
1. South Texas College Child Development Department – Clifford
2. Capable Kids – Alice in Wonderland
3. Hidalgo County Precinct 4 – M&M's
Creeping It Cool
STHS departments also joined in the competition with displays inspired by beloved movies, television shows and fan-favorite characters.
STHS Department Winners
Most Creative
Too Cute to Spook
Creeping It Cool
Festival attendees also had the opportunity to vote for their favorite displays in the People's Choice Award competition.
People’s Choice Award
"The booth decorating contest has become one of the highlights of our Fall Festival because of the imagination and dedication that go into every display," said Lance Ames, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Children's and STHS Edinburg. "Our employees and community partners consistently raise the bar, creating immersive experiences that bring joy to thousands of children and families. Their enthusiasm and commitment help make this event a memorable tradition for the Rio Grande Valley."
For nearly two decades, the STHS Children's Fall Festival has been a cherished Rio Grande Valley tradition. What began as a community Halloween celebration has evolved into one of the region's most anticipated seasonal events, welcoming thousands of children and their loved ones each year for an evening of costumes, candy and family-friendly fun.
To stay up to date on upcoming family-friendly events and community activities hosted by STHS Children's, visit the facility’s Facebook Events page. To learn more about the comprehensive pediatric services available at STHS Children's, visit www.southtexashealthsystemchildrens.com.
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system's South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan, and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first dedicated children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart, and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Alamo, Edinburg, McAllen, Mission Pharr and Weslaco. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
