Cathy Funston, who is co-chairing the fair with Allyson Maske, said though they had to move a few games and activities around to steer clear of construction, the event still promises fun for all.
“Everything we had in the past that focuses in the children is coming back,” said Funston, who has four children at Pace.
Some of those longtime favorites include inflatables, laser tag, bungee jumps and carnival games. Lower school students also created themed scarecrows to be auctioned at the event.
“It’s a great way to build school spirit and bring us all together,” Funston said. “Even with the construction, I think it’s still going to be a great event.”
Maske, who has two children at Pace, said she and Funston tried to include all of the excitement around the new building as part of the fair with a construction theme, focusing on the school’s past, present and future.
“We’ll have more food trucks than ever before, more variety of food and more inflatables,” Maske said.
Participating food vendors include the King of Pops, Yumbii, Al’s Frozen Treats and Sweet Auburn BBQ food trucks and Chick-fil-A.
Last year the event brought about 9,000 attendees and raised nearly $150,000 for the school, Maske said. All proceeds will benefit the Pace Academy Parents Club, which sponsors scholarships and meets the classroom needs of teachers and students.
“We hope that it’s as popular as it has been in the past and the community at large is as excited as we are,” Funston said. “It’s a great fun kind of old-fashioned event.”
“It’s just a pleasure to open our campus to everyone,” Maske said. “For all of our kids, it’s really the highlight of their fall and they do a lot of things in school to prepare for it. It’s a great way to really connect with and thank the community for their support of the fair over the years.”
Since the school has limited parking, organizers have contracted with Church of the Apostles, 3585 Northside Pkwy., to provide transportation. Shuttles will run back and forth every 10 minutes beginning at 10 a.m.
If you go:
What: Pace Academy Fall Fair
When: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Pace Academy, 966 W. Paces Ferry Road, Buckhead
Cost: $50 for a wristband plus 20 tickets or $13 for a bundle of 30 tickets.
Information: (404) 240-7411 or www.paceacademy.org