LSCO Invites Community to Annual Octoberfest Celebration
October 28, 2026
ORANGE, TX – Families across the community are invited to attend Lamar State College Orange's annual Octoberfest, a long-standing Halloween tradition that offers a safe, family-friendly evening filled with costumes, games, candy, and community engagement.
This year, the event will take place on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 5 p.m.
Costume contest judges Crystal Compton, Cindy Wyles and Jessica Jaeger shared their favorite memories from the event and discussed why it continues to attract families year after year.
Octoberfest has grown significantly since its beginnings over two decades ago inside the college gymnasium. The celebration now extends across campus and includes participation from student organizations, community groups and local businesses.
"It's really exciting," Jaeger said. "There’s things for the kids [and] the adults get to mingle and enjoy themselves."
As judges for the annual costume contest, the three guests said one of their favorite parts of the event is seeing the creativity on display from children and families.
"I love seeing the costumes," Compton said. "Some of the parents put there really go all out for these costumes."
Wyles said judging can be especially challenging because of the effort participants of all ages put into their creations each year.
"These kids, young people, and not so young people just wow us with their costumes," Wyles said.
Beyond the costume contest, Octoberfest offers a wide variety of activities designed to create a safe and enjoyable environment for families. Guests highlighted the importance of providing a community event where parents can feel comfortable allowing their children to participate in Halloween festivities.
"Sometimes parents don't feel that it's safe to take their children out to just any random neighborhood like we could when we were children,” Wyles said. “So I believe they see this as a safe place.”
Attendees can enjoy games hosted by student organizations, community vendors, snacks and other attractions throughout the evening. Organizers also use the occasion to showcase campus programs and connect with prospective students and their families.
Compton noted that Octoberfest allows community members to see the college's growth and learn more about the opportunities available through student organizations and academic programs.
The judges said one of the most rewarding aspects of the event is seeing former attendees return years later with children of their own, continuing a tradition that has become a staple of the community.