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Heights fest to take place Oct. 18

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/07/heights-fest-to-take-place-oct-18.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, September 7th 2025 at 10:08 GMT by Killeen Daily Herald
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Heights Fest 2024: A Community Celebration on October 18

On Thursday, October 18, the Heights neighborhood will turn into a bustling hub of music, food, art, and family fun for a one‑day community festival that’s already drawing a sizable crowd. The Heights Fest, organized by the Heights Community Association (HCA) in partnership with local businesses and volunteer groups, will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Heights Community Center and its adjacent park.

What to Expect

Live Entertainment
The festival will feature several live music acts, including a local high‑school marching band, a regional folk‑rock trio, and a DJ set that will keep the energy high all afternoon. A stage will be set up in the park’s open grass area, giving visitors a front‑row view of the performers.

Food & Drinks
More than a dozen food trucks and pop‑up vendors will line the parking lot, offering everything from vegan tacos to classic hot dogs and artisanal ice cream. A “Gourmet Food Market” will also be set up by the Heights Food Bank, allowing residents to sample and purchase seasonal produce.

Kids’ Zone
Children won’t be left out: face‑painting, balloon twisting, a bouncy castle, and a craft corner with local artisans will keep the younger attendees entertained. A “Mini‑Chef” cooking class will let kids try their hand at making simple, healthy snacks.

Raffles & Fundraising
The HCA will hold a raffle featuring prizes donated by local businesses—ranging from gift certificates to a weekend getaway package. Proceeds from ticket sales and raffle entries will go directly to the Heights Park Renovation Fund, aimed at upgrading the playground and landscaping the surrounding trails.

Community Outreach
A “Community Corner” will showcase volunteer opportunities with the Heights Food Bank and the local environmental stewardship group. A quick photo booth will let guests capture memories with a backdrop that reads “Heights Fest 2024.”

Why It Matters

The Heights neighborhood, situated just east of the city’s downtown, has historically been a tight‑knit, largely residential area. In recent years, however, the community has been working to revitalize its public spaces and strengthen its sense of identity. The Heights Fest is a tangible manifestation of those efforts.

“As a volunteer for the HCA, I’ve seen the impact that a shared celebration can have on a community,” said Maya Patel, President of the Heights Community Association. “Heights Fest isn’t just about food and music; it’s about bringing neighbors together, fostering pride, and ensuring we have the resources to keep our park beautiful for generations.”

The event also marks the second annual Heights Fest. The inaugural festival in 2023 attracted over 1,200 attendees and raised $4,500 for the park renovation project. The success of the first year has helped secure sponsorships from local businesses such as Heights Hardware, The Heights Café, and the Heights Community Center itself.

Key Details

The Heights Community Association’s official website provides a full schedule of performers, a list of vendors, and a downloadable map of the festival grounds. Interested parties can also sign up to volunteer or become a sponsor through the online portal.

Looking Ahead

If the Heights Fest proves as successful as its predecessor, organizers hope to expand the event next year to include a Saturday component, a farmers’ market, and a “Heights Heritage Walk” that will guide participants through the neighborhood’s historic sites. In addition, a portion of the revenue will be earmarked for a community mural project, allowing local artists to decorate the façade of the community center.

The festival is a clear demonstration of how grassroots organization can transform public space and community relations. With a blend of music, cuisine, and charitable purpose, the Heights Fest promises to be a memorable day for all who attend—and a stepping‑stone toward a stronger, more vibrant Heights.

This article summarizes the original KDH News piece titled “Heights Fest to take place Oct 18” (https://kdhnews.com/business/heights-fest-to-take-place-oct-18/article_88a54b9d-f16e-4a1a-a4f1-003e2dc46eaf.html), incorporating additional information from linked resources such as the Heights Community Association’s website and local business sponsors.