Augusta's GICH Fall Festival brings free food, bounce houses, a clothing giveaway and housing help to Carrie J. Mays Park, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17.

Families can get free food, bounce houses and a clothing and shoe giveaway this Saturday at Carrie J. Mays Park, where the city’s housing team is holding its annual GICH Fall Festival.

The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. Admission is free and the event is open to the public. It is put on by the City of Augusta’s Georgia Initiative for Community Housing team, known as GICH.

District 2 Commissioner Stacy Pulliam said the day is meant to put local services in front of families while they enjoy themselves.

“Our goal with the Fall Festival is to create a welcoming, celebratory environment where families can enjoy a day out while gaining direct access to the vital services and resources our community offers,” Pulliam said.

What is free on the day

Everything is. The organizers say every vendor table will offer free community resources and that no items will be sold on site. According to the announcement, the festival will have:

  • Resources and giveaways. Local organizations will hand out free information, tools and support services. Universal Restoration Ministry In Action will run a clothing and shoe giveaway.
  • Bounce houses. There will be three for children, along with other family activities.
  • Food. Freshly grilled food, hot dogs, snacks and drinks will be provided.
  • First responders. Representatives from the Fire Department and the Sheriff’s Office will be there to meet residents.
  • Housing updates. A GICH information table will have news on the city’s housing initiatives and how they are progressing.

Organizers ask visitors to stop at the main check-in table when they arrive.

What GICH is

The Georgia Initiative for Community Housing is a program of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. According to the announcement, it “helps local communities create and implement housing and community development strategies to improve quality of life and revitalize neighborhoods.” The festival flyer lists Augusta GICH, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and UGA as the organizers.

If you go

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Where: Carrie J. Mays Park, 1014 11th Ave., Augusta
  • Cost: Free and open to everyone
  • Questions: Contact Pulliam at 762-333-1995. The city’s event listing says vendors who want a table can text the same number.

More fall events around Augusta, including the Georgia-Carolina State Fair, are on our fall festivals and pumpkin patches page and our Halloween events guide.