Copyright Baton Rouge Advocate
The second annual Gonzales Fall Fest entertained hundreds of families while giving children a chance to trick-or-treat and decorate pumpkins. Attendees wore their Halloween costumes ready to collect candy and goodies Oct. 26 at Price LeBlanc PACE Center. The event consisted of 29 indoor trunk-or-treat vendors and a variety of 25 other vendors, according to Gonzales Director of Community Services Jaycee Gill. The Fall Fest is one of several year-round Gonzales events that focus on family activities. “I think the attraction is that this is a free, family-focused event in a safe environment,” Gill said. “It's accessible for all to participate in.” The event also gave local businesses the chance to introduce themselves to the Gonzales community. “We have so much local talent in Gonzales and Ascension,” Gill said. “We are asked all the time about vendor markets. We have found that it works well at the Fall Fest. It's a perfect fit and adds to the ambience of Fall Fest.” Gonzales Mayor Tim Riley said the well-attended event was a positive reflection of the community. “This is a tremendous turnout,” Riley said. “We believe the people of Gonzales have resilience. City government provides services to businesses and residents. “Events like this one are serving the community, and we are showing we can have events that are for families while providing a safe environment where children and adults can have a good time.” Families participated in trunk-or-treating both inside and outside of the PACE Center. Entertainment on the inside stage included magician Tim Gaines and musical acts Dustin Lee Guedry and Justin Garner. “The intention was to have the performers on an outdoor stage, but we punted with the rain and wet ground,” Gill said. “We had several folks come just for the music.” The city of Gonzales is preparing for the upcoming holiday season with more events geared toward families. “Our fall calendar is pretty robust this year,” Gill said. “We have Music in the Park, Sunday, Nov. 16, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Jambalaya Park. Our annual Christmas Tree Lighting is Friday, Dec. 5.” Also left on the 2025 calendar, the CPKC Holiday Train will make a stop Dec. 2. For information about the city of Gonzales, visit www.gonzalesla.com.
