The Fall Festival & Resource Fair, organized by Midland Health Services, will take place Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dennis the Menace Park in Midland. Created to help the community discover local resources while offering a family-friendly event, the fair has grown significantly over the past three years.
Initially a collaboration with Familia Dental, Midland Health Services now fully manages the event. Last year’s fair drew more than 1,500 attendees, and this year’s event is expected to attract an even larger crowd with over 55 community partners participating.
Midland Health Services Community Health Educator Danielle Moreno explained the event's evolution.
“This festival started as a way to connect our community with valuable resources in a relaxed, family-friendly environment,” Moreno said. “Since then, it’s become an annual tradition where families can have fun while accessing services that promote health and well-being.”
The selection process for vendors and community resources is inclusive.
“We welcome any organization offering public services, especially those catering to low-income or sliding-scale accommodations,” Moreno said. “This year, we are excited to introduce more health and wellness organizations, as well as representatives from the Armed Forces. There’s truly something for everyone.”
A hallmark of the Fall Festival & Resource Fair is its balance between entertainment and practical services. Families can enjoy activities like a coloring contest or explore first responder vehicles, such as fire trucks and SWAT units, while parents access services like free flu shots and car seat checks.
“The goal is to ensure attendees have fun, but we never lose sight of the essential resources they need,” Moreno said.
The event has had a measurable impact on the community.
“Many of our partners plan their year around this festival,” Moreno said. “The positive feedback we receive is overwhelming—vendors often run out of resources because the demand is so high.”
Looking ahead, the festival’s organizers are focused on growth.
“We’re always seeking new ways to enhance the experience, whether it’s by adding more vendors or offering more activities for kids. The feedback we gather this year will help shape future festivals,” Moreno said.
Partnerships and volunteers, particularly from the YWLA school and the Junior League of Midland, play a crucial role in the event’s success.
“Without our volunteers and the support of local organizations, none of this would be possible,” Moreno said. “These collaborations strengthen our ties and allow us to serve the community better each year.”