Carnifall, a tradition at OSU Institute of Technology for more than two decades, offers the Okmulgee community a safe and fun event for families and children right on the university campus.

The Office of Student Life hosts the free event, which is a harvest carnival with games, food, entertainment and inflatables.

Carnifall is Thursday Oct. 23 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., on the Covelle Hall Lawn on the OSUIT campus, 1801 E. 4th St., in Okmulgee.

Sixteen campus student groups and organizations also participate by offering games and food items for a minimal cost to families.

“Student Life and student clubs put on this event each year as a fundraiser, but it also offers families and children in the community a place to celebrate in a safer environment than traditional door-to-door trick or treating,” said Bruce Force, Student Life director.

Carnifall has become a tradition for many in the Okmulgee community as well as across campus, Force said. As many as 1,500 people come out for the event each year, depending on the weather, and if it does rain, the festival will move indoors to Covelle Hall.

“This gives us a chance to connect with the community and gives families a chance to visit our campus,” he said. “My favorite part of Carnifall is seeing the smiles on the children’s faces as they play the games and enjoy the activities in a safe environment.”

The student clubs will offer:

Bowling Game sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineering

Basketball Shoot-out sponsored by the Association of Information Technology Professionals and Network Gaming Executive

Face Painting & Photo Booth sponsored by Visual Communication Collective

Wiffle Ball Toss & Pie Throwing Contest sponsored by Consolidated Construction Club

Ball Toss sponsored by the Future Chefs Association

Feed the Pumpkin Game & Raffle sponsored by the Horology Club

Hot Dogs, Barbeque Sandwiches & Drinks sponsored by Instrumentation Systems and Automation Society

Hot Chocolate, Coffee, Cookies, Chocolate Spoons & Free Trick or Treat Bags sponsored by IT Peer Mentoring Club

Ping Pong Games, Nachos & Candy Apples sponsored by Native American Student Association

Ring Toss, Ping Pong Ball Toss, Cotton Candy, Funnel Cakes & Drinks sponsored by Orthotics and Prosthetics Club

Airbrush Tattoos sponsored by Residence Halls Association

Basketball Shoot & Raffle sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa and Student Government Association

Maze & Health Education Activities sponsored by the Student Nurses Association

Mini Putt Putt Golf sponsored by the Student Veterans Association