The crisp September air once again set the scene for the annual Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival, a beloved three-day event that drew over 100,000 attendees to Downtown Blue Springs. Now in its 50th year, the festival continues to serve as a highlight of the season—not only for the broader community but especially for local high school students.

Organized by the Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce, the festival has become a staple of Eastern Jackson County life. While carnival rides, a classic car show, and hundreds of craft vendors remain crowd favorites, the event has also evolved into a hotspot for school spirit, student leadership, and peer connection.

“My favorite part is always the parade,” said Demarco Macoy, a junior at Blue Springs High School. “It’s not just watching the floats; it’s being in it. Our marching band has been practicing for weeks. Seeing all the little kids cheer for us—that’s a huge rush.”

Student involvement went well beyond performances. The festival also served as a hands-on learning opportunity for clubs and organizations. Blue Springs South High School’s Robotics Club ran a booth selling custom 3D-printed keychains, raising money for their next competition.

“It was a good test,” said junior Aj Blewett. “We had to figure out inventory, pricing, and talking to customers. It’s way more hands-on than any class. With the money from the festival, we’re funding the club.”

For other students, the festival was the perfect chance to unwind and connect with friends after the first month of school. From food to rides to live music, it offered something for everyone.

“I spend all my money on the crazy food—seriously, the deep-fried cheesecake is worth the wait,” joked Jayshawn Monroe Boyd, a junior. “But honestly, it’s just the best place to hang out. You see everyone from all the different schools, and it’s so laid back. We usually end up by the Main Stage for the bands after riding the Tilt-a-Whirl a few too many times.”

Whether it’s the adrenaline of the parade, the entrepreneurial challenge of running a booth, or simply soaking up the fun with friends, the Blue Springs Fall Fun Festival continues to be more than just an event—it’s a tradition that weaves students into the fabric of the community.