Gardner-Webb, Boiling Springs, and the Ruby YMCA Team Up for Octoberfest Fun

Campus Tradition Returns with Games, Activities, Candy and Prizes

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Families from across the community are invited to celebrate the fall season at Gardner-Webb University during the annual Octoberfest on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. For more than 20 years, Octoberfest has welcomed generations of families to campus for an evening of fun, fellowship and community connection.

The campus tradition will transform the Lutz-Yelton Convocation Center (LYCC) into a festive gathering place filled with inflatables, games and activities hosted by Gardner-Webb student clubs, organizations and athletics teams. The University will also serve pizza during the event, while children can enjoy collecting treats at an outdoor Trunk-or-Treat featuring festively decorated vehicles.

Over the years, Octoberfest has expanded into a collaborative community celebration co-hosted by the University, the Town of Boiling Springs and the Ruby C. Hunt YMCA.

“Octoberfest is a wonderful event for us here at Gardner-Webb University!” said Jaquan Lynch, associate minister of athletic ministries. “We bring our community together one game, one sweet treat, and one joyful moment at a time. Octoberfest is a time to celebrate connection, fun, and community. Our students have the opportunity to serve and create a fun experience for local youth, while families can come together and enjoy a memorable evening filled with games, candy, laughter, and fellowship.

In addition to activities inside LYCC, the Town of Boiling Springs Police Department will bring a patrol car for children and families to explore. Officer Anthony Fields said participation goes beyond monitoring event safety. “It’s about active relationship building,” he explained. “We treasure opportunities like this where we can step out of an enforcement role and connect with our residents, GWU students, and local families in a completely relaxed, celebratory environment. Bringing our patrol vehicle to the event gives children a hands-on, positive experience with law enforcement early on. Public safety relies heavily on mutual trust, and participating in this long-standing town tradition helps ensure that our community knows our officers are approachable, supportive, and deeply invested in the neighborhood we all share.”

The Ruby C. Hunt YMCA will once again offer its popular “Spooky Bus,” a family-friendly mini haunted house featuring festive lights, laughter and plenty of Halloween fun without the scares.

“The YMCA loves partnering with the Town of Boiling Springs and Gardner-Webb University for OctoberFest because it gives us the opportunity to come together and create a fun, safe, and welcoming experience for kids and families in our community,” said Amber Wray, family programs director and media specialist for the Ruby C. Hunt YMCA. “It’s a great reflection of what we strive for at the Y: Faith, Belonging, and Excellence. Through partnerships like this, we build connections, make everyone feel like they belong, and work together to create an event that our community can enjoy and look forward to each year. We’re excited to bring our Trunk-or-Treat and Spooky Bus and be part of this special tradition!”

With free activities, candy, games, community partners and opportunities for children to interact with local first responders, Octoberfest offers an evening of family-friendly fun and fellowship for all ages.

The event is free and open to the public.

Auxiliary aids will be made available to persons with disabilities upon request 10 working days prior to the event.  Please call 704-406-4270 or email [email protected] with your request.

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Become More at gardner-webb.edu.