On Oct. 25, 1964, U.S. President Lyndon Johnson dedicated Florida Atlantic University. On that same day in 2004, FAU celebrated its 40th anniversary with a Fall Family Fest.

Blue activity tents were set up around the barbeque pits and pavilion next to Heritage Park Towers. Free food was served throughout the evening, while various booths entertained students and families for the night.

Each blue tent housed a booth where visitors could engage in events such as face painting and pumpkin decorating. Groups of people stood in line to get their picture taken in front of a picturesque fall setting of hay, corn crops, and pumpkins. The pictures were printed out on the spot, free of charge.

There was a popcorn table and a candy station that let students create their own sweet tooth arrangements in clear plastic boxes. T-shirts with the 40th anniversary logo and the number 40 on the back were given away, along with footballs.

Students played volleyball and soccer alongside the event as a DJ energized the air. All through the night, kids of all ages were challenging each other on an inflatable obstacle course and joust ring.

During the fest, people were seen with colorful balloon hats and animals that were supplied by a towering balloon artist on stilts, wearing a glittering, multicolored vest.

The harvest theme was seen with the eyes and felt by the stomach. Barbequed chicken and corn on the cob, cornbread, and baked beans lined the buffet table. Hungry mouths devoured the barbequed shredded beef as well as the fruit and potato salads. There was also a big anniversary spice cake with cream cheese frosting. By 7:30 there was no food left.

The family fest went great, thanks to the Student Government Program Board and the 40th Anniversary Committee. The event was geared toward bringing the faculty and staff’s families together with the students of FAU. This historic celebration drew around one thousand participants over the course of three hours.