A two-day delay due to weather didn’t keep an estimated 300 students, faculty, staff and community members from coming out to celebrate the fall season Oct. 17 at Missouri State University-West Plains’ Fall Festival Kickoff Event at its new outdoor amphitheater.

Families throughout the community participated in a variety of children’s activities, including pumpkin painting and pumpkin smashing, while university students used their “Grizz Bucks” to enjoy barbecue, funnel cakes and kettle corn offered by area food truck vendors, organizers said.

Musical entertainment was provided by Patient Eyes from Mountain Home, Ark. Band members said it was the first time they had performed in an amphitheater.

Organizers said they received many positive comments about the event from attendees, who also said they would like to see more events at the venue in the future.

The amphitheater is available for community use. Reservations can be made by calling 417-255-7258 or emailing ScottSchneider@MissouriState.edu.