Fall for Allen

The public is invited to join a vibrant celebration of history, health and community spirit at Fall For Allen, a festive event honoring the 100th anniversary of Allen Hospital and Allen College. The weekend-long event will be 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily Friday, Oct. 3 to Sunday, Oct. 5 on the Allen College campus (1990 Heath St., Waterloo).

The event is free and open to the public to offer a unique opportunity to reflect on a century of caring and community goodwill while enjoying a variety of fall-themed activities and entertainment for all ages. The history of Allen College and Allen Hospital is rooted in a love story, and the intent is to show appreciation and gratitude for the greater community and generations of patients.

Henry and Mary Allen settled and prospered in the Cedar Valley in the late 1800s and never forgot their beloved Iowa home after moving to California. Following Mary’s passing, Henry donated $200,000 and 80 acres of land to establish a hospital in his wife’s honor.

Since then, the community’s support has been the foundation of Allen Hospital and Allen College accomplishments. The result has been a positive impact on the quality of life in the Cedar Valley. Together, we continue to set a new standard of exceptional experiences and care for generations to come.

In connection with the natural abundance of fall and the importance of nutrition, attendees will be asked to bring donated non-perishable food items to support the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. Food insecurity affects individuals across the area, and the goal is to collect 1000 meals to help combat those concerns.

Additional partners include the Waterloo Career Center to engage the talent of students and staff to help produce the event.

Fall For Allen will feature:

·      Pumpkin and Horticulture Mega Sculpture Art: Renowned local artist Bill Close, known for creating mega sculptures for more than 20 years at Peet Junior High, will craft massive, 10-foot structures made of pumpkins and other horticulture materials to create stunning visual arts for guests to enjoy. The artwork will commemorate Iowa’s bountiful harvest and represent the abundance of resources, knowledge and community support that has been cultivated over the past century.

·      I’m An Allen Baby: Celebrate new beginnings and milestone births with a meet-and-greet with physicians and staff from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4. Anyone born at Allen Hospital in the past century is invited to submit a baby picture to create a photo mosaic honoring generations of families connected by the Allen Birth Center. Photos may be submitted to allenhospital@unitypoint.org or on Facebook at: https://bit.ly/40lMU57

·      Walk Down Memory Lane: Guests can enjoy an outdoor walking exhibit recognizing significant moments and the rich history of Allen Hospital and Allen College.

·      Allen College Alumni and Retiree Social: A special gathering of Allen College alumni is planned for 2-4 p.m. Sunday. Oct. 5 in Barrett Forum. Attendees can enjoy light refreshments while celebrating the historic milestone and honoring the legacy of those who have shaped the institutions’ history.

·      Allen Auxiliary Gift Shop Pop-Up Store: Unique gifts and memorabilia will be available, with proceeds supporting Allen Hospital programs and services.

·      Centennial Market: The Allen Alumni Association will offer fall-themed items for sale – featuring special selections provided by Corner Market & Greenhouse. All proceeds benefit scholarships for future healthcare professionals.

·      Kids’ Nutrition and Fun Activities: Engaging and educational activities focused on healthy eating, along with other children’s interactive activities.

·      Area Food Trucks: Savor seasonal favorites such as apple cider donuts, caramel apple bar and other delicious treats.

Individuals who are interested in volunteering over the course of the weekend may contact Allen Hospital volunteer services at (319) 235-3692. Volunteers continue to be an integral part of healthcare teams and make an impactful difference wherever they serve.

For more details about the upcoming weekend of community, creativity and camaraderie or other information about the past century at Allen Hospital and Allen College, visit https://www.unitypoint.org/locations/unitypoint-health---allen-hospital/100th-anniversary.