The turning of the leaves, pumpkins and cider – autumn has arrived in the Santa Clarita Valley and Friday, Nov. 1, should be the perfect autumn night when the College of the Canyons Canyon Country campus will host its first “Family Fall Festival and Movie Under the Stars.”

Families can enjoy activities such as face painting, pumpkin decorating, crafts and art activities before a special outdoor screening of the classic Steven Spielberg film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.”

“We are very excited to welcome families to the Canyon Country campus to celebrate the fall season at our first Family Fall Festival and Movie Under the Stars,” said Dr. Ryan Theule, Dean of the Canyon Country campus. “There will be many activities for family members of all ages to enjoy. We are especially excited to screen “E.T.” at the campus amphitheater outdoors on our large screen, under the stars. I can’t think of a better venue.”

Many college departments and programs are involved in this event, including the Associated Student Government (ASG), whose members will run a face-painting booth and provide pumpkins for children to decorate.

“This is going to be a tremendously fun event for families,” said Allison Korse-Devlin, director of student development for the college.  “ASG will be serving free popcorn and cotton candy during the film screening. We’re also giving away two Cougar Spirit gift baskets that include tickets to the upcoming COC Homecoming Tailgate and football game on November 2.”

Students in the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) program will offer additional child-friendly activities, such as friendship necklace making and harvest-themed activities. A live music band will perform before the movie screening begins at 6:30 p.m.

Staff members will also be on-hand to provide information about the college’s instructional programs and student services. Local community organizations such as the Canyon Country Business Association and Santa Clarita Valley (SCV) Chamber of Commerce will also be present with information about their services.

The festival will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Due to the cooler weather, attendees are encouraged to dress warmly and bring blankets.

Admission is free and open to the public.

For more information about the Family Fall Festival and Movie Under the Stars, please contact the Canyon Country campus at (661) 362-3801 or visit www.canyoncountrycampus.com.