Fall Fest: A Beloved Autumn Tradition (1970–2001)
Fall Fest: A Beloved Autumn Tradition (1970–2001)
In the heart of Concord, nestled among the golden leaves of October, De La Salle High School’s Fall Fest became a cherished tradition that spanned generations. From its humble beginnings in 1970 to its final celebration in 2001, Fall Fest was more than just an event; it was a symbol of unity, creativity, and the enduring spirit of the Spartan community.
At a time when De La Salle was still carving out its identity, Fall Fest emerged as one of the first major all-campus events in the school’s now 60-year history. It brought together students, faculty, families, alumni, and community members in a way few other events had. The inaugural festival, held on the school’s Quad, was modest but heartfelt: handmade booths, a bake sale, and a dunk tank set the stage for what would become a beloved autumn ritual.
As the years passed, Fall Fest blossomed into a full-scale fair. By the 1980s and 1990s, the campus transformed into a lively celebration each October, filled with carnival rides, live music, food trucks, and themed attractions.
“Imagine a Ferris wheel rising out of Owen Owens Field, just for a weekend, like something out of a dream,” recalled Scott Drain, class of 1994. “Fall Fest had a ride for everyone, from the gentle spin of the merry-go-round to the chaos of the Gravitron, which always made you question those nachos and cotton candy you’d just inhaled.”
Each year offered something new, like medieval jousts, pumpkin carving contests, talent shows, and even a “Battle of the Bands” featuring local high school musicians. Students didn’t just attend—they built the event from the ground up, integrating it into class projects, service hours, and club activities. The festival became a living showcase of Spartan life. “In the Quad, Outrider, fronted by Bo Rat Salad, shredded through 80s hair metal like it was still 1987,” Drain said. “And yeah, maybe the over/under booth wasn’t exactly legal for kids, but that was part of the charm.”
Among the most memorable traditions was the Faculty Dunk Tank, where students gleefully lined up to soak their favorite (or most formidable) teachers. The De La Salle Chili Cook-Off added a competitive culinary flair, while the Spartan Scare Zone, a haunted maze crafted by the drama department, tested the courage of even the bravest attendees.
But Fall Fest wasn’t just about fun; it was also a vital fundraiser for the school. Proceeds supported everything from athletic uniforms to campus improvements and scholarship funds. Its success reflected the strength of the De La Salle community and its commitment to holistic, Lasallian education.
By the early 2000s, however, the festival faced growing challenges, and the increasing complexity of event planning made it harder to sustain. Thus, in October 2001, after 32 unforgettable years, the school hosted a final, bittersweet celebration, marking the end of an era that had defined generations of Spartans.
Though Fall Fest is no longer held, its legacy endures. Alumni still speak fondly of crisp autumn afternoons filled with laughter, music, and the unmistakable feeling of belonging. For many, it was a defining part of their high school experience, a moment when the campus came alive with color, energy, and community spirit.
“Fall Fest wasn’t just an event, it was a feeling, a De La Salle tradition that lived loud and vanished quietly,” said Drain.
Today, De La Salle continues to honor the heart of Fall Fest through seasonal gatherings and alumni events. But for those who walked the Quad during those magical Octobers, the memory of Fall Fest remains a golden thread woven into the fabric of Spartan history.