Hundreds are expected to turn out Friday for Jemison Elementary School’s fall festival, which has become a popular community tradition.

The festival, scheduled from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 16, includes activities for everyone from kindergarteners to grandparents.

“It’s a good thing for the teachers, and the kids love it,” said Principal Louise Pitts. “The whole family can come. It’s fun for all ages.”

The annual festival includes games like moonwalk, football kick, fishing, face painting and even bingo. Pitts said the bingo game is especially popular among grandparents.

“Last year, we had grandparents from Dallas County to come, just to attend the fall festival,” she added.

The festival is also a fundraiser for the school. Teachers sponsor different games, and the money raised helps pay for supplies.

Also, the second grade works together to sell concessions.

While a small donation is required to play individual games, general admission is free. Prizes are also awarded, as made possible by local businesses.

Pitts said the fundraising is especially important this year because of cuts in the state’s education budget, particularly in the area of classroom supplies.

“Teachers normally get $500 apiece to purchase things for their classrooms, like ink cartridges for printers,” she said. “The cartridges are expensive, and teachers can go through those about one every two weeks.”

Approximately 500 people attended last year’s festival, Pitts estimated.