West Alabama Preparatory is starting a new tradition this year. Rather than the usual fall festival, the school will hold October Fest this year at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8.

Headmaster Lynn Compton said this year’s festival promises fun for all ages. One of the big events will be Cow Patty Bingo, she said. A $50 donation buys one square, and $2,500 goes to the winning square.

Other activities include a cakewalk, horse and buggy rides, a pumpkin decorating contest and a remote control car race. Compton said everyone is invited to bring a decorated pumpkin or a race car to participate in those events.

WAP decided to hold their festival in October this year because so many other schools and churches have festivals on the same night, causing competition among the different groups, Compton said.

“We thought we’d offer the community something on a different night,” she said.

Admission to the festival is only 50 cents. October Fest will be held on WAP school grounds, near the football field. All money generated from October Fest will go toward general school expenses.