BOX ELDER, S.D. — Youth and Family Services will celebrate the fall season with its annual Harvest Festival on Sept. 12 at the YFS Fullerton Farm in Box Elder.

The event will feature more than 50 booths and attractions offering free games and activities for families. Activities will include scavenger hunts and opportunities for children to interact with animals, including bunnies and chickens.

The Harvest Festival has been held for about 10 years and has seen significant growth in recent years. YFS reported about 400 people attended in 2023, while more than 1,000 people attended last year.

As attendance has increased, the festival has expanded across the three-acre Fullerton Farm property, allowing YFS to add more booths and activities. “I think the best part of the event is everything is free,” Jeremy LeLaCheur with Youth and Family Services said. “We don’t want this event to feel like you’re taking your wallet out every five seconds.” Admission and festival activities are free. Food trucks will also be at the event, with food available for purchase. Funding for the festival comes from several sources, including donations, and YFS also reuses materials and resources it already has available.

YFS is looking for volunteers to help with the growing festival, including assisting with booths and event teardown. Organizers said volunteering also provides an opportunity to meet new people while helping with a community event.

The YFS Harvest Festival will be held at Fullerton Farm, 230 S. Ellsworth Road in Box Elder. Additional information about the festival and volunteer opportunities is available at youthandfamilyservices.org.