Kinnelon held its annual Kinnelon Fall Festival, K-Fest, outside Kinnelon High School Saturday, Sept. 28. As always, a variety of booths were set up, ranging from food kiosks to jewelry stands. However, this year, there were many changes made to the festival and what it offered.
Though the usual Empanada Guy truck made an appearance, several of the food stands differed from those in past years. “There wasn’t a zeppole stand this year but there was a new pizza truck that I was looking forward to,” said sophomore Sophia Solorino.
There were also the additions of a petting zoo and live music for all to enjoy. “The petting zoo was really cool. They had goats, chicks, sheep, and some bunnies that you could pet, and a lot of the little kids really enjoyed it, ” says junior Victoria Carlson. “The live music was a great addition too. There was one boy who sang Riptide by Vance Joy and it was really entertaining.”
Though changes occur with each year, one consistent part of K-Fest is the fact that many come to enjoy the festival, and it would not be possible without the volunteers who run the booths. “I was at the Okinawan Karate booth this year, and I helped try to convince people to try two weeks of karate at my studio for free,” says KHS junior Owen Kruger. He has also helped with this booth in the past, along with others from his studio. “I did not get to see many of the other booths, but it was fun to be a part of.”
Some of the other businesses in attendance were Architekt, a local music school, Memory Quilts, a business selling hand quilted accessories, and White Birch Candle, a local candle shop. Their volunteers and booths added to the variety in the festival and made it both possible and enjoyable.
Regardless of the changes from year to year, there is always something for everyone, and “it helps bring the community together,” said sophomore Jennifer Jacko. A huge thank you goes out to everyone involved in the event and the community for its support.