VALDOSTA — Valdosta Technical College will welcome the community to explore its many offerings in a festive atmosphere when the Fourth Annual HarvestEd gets under way Saturday.

“HarvestEd initially came about as President (James) Bridges had the idea for an open house during the fall for the college. Seeing that there weren’t any fall festivals for the community at the time, I suggested that we make it a full family event. We’ve been doing it since then as a gift to the community,” said Angela Crance, vice president for Business and Industry Services.

“Everywhere we go now, people are talking about HarvestEd, and it really makes all the faculty and staff take greater pride in our college. I’ve been very humbled by the dedication that everyone here has taken in the event and their hard work to make it a success.”

Growing from hundreds of people to some 5,000 as the years progressed, HarvestEd has become a signature event for the college. Each year the event offers fun and activities for children and entertainment for the adults, while bringing a bit of spice to technical education.

“We have great participation from all our administrators and directors, and our instructors make interesting, out-of-the-box presentations, each showcasing their departments and our courses,” said Crance.

“We really hope to give attendants a glance of all that we do, and we’re excited to have the kids here, too. They enjoy touring the campus and classes just as much as the adults, and they love seeing how high-tech Val Tech really is. It shows them a viable option as they began to think about their future.”

The event will prove fun for the entire family, with helpful lessons to stretch beyond the day. Attendants can take home tips learned in massage therapy, home decorating, simple mechanics and more. Other Val Tech partners will also be on-site offering instructions in safety and health to benefit families for a lifetime.

“We’re going to have health fair info of all kinds, and there will also be a presentation on how to give CPR and the Heimlich maneuver,” said Crance.

Among the old favorite events of HarvestEd, a few new events are also planned for attendants.

“There will be a model airplane flying exhibition by the Georgia Aviation Tech Instructors Flying Club. Also, a young authors workshop presented by the English and Developmental studies department, will allow people to sit down at computers, write their own stories and have them published,” said Julia Ariail, public relations coordinator

A 5K memory walk and fun run will take place as the supporters of the Alzheimer’s Association remember family members and loved ones, and The Valdosta Junior Woman’s Club will collect canned goods for the Second Harvest Food Bank.

A full day of entertainment is planned for Saturday, as kids romp around bounce house attractions and slides, complete building projects with Lowe’s, and also get a little creative while painting faces in the pumpkin patch. Attendants can also enjoy live music from local schools, bands and other community groups, and see a grand display of vehicles and trucks during the South Georgia Classic Car Club Show. Several give-aways will also take place, including a golf cart and trailer, and TECHO contest with $500 worth of prizes.

HarvestEd is a free event and will be held at the Valdosta Technical College campus from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.