EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Hundreds of children pulled away from their parents' tight grips to rush toward the various interactive booths on display during Saturday's annual STEM Fest.

Even with lines jamming the hallways of New Tech High School and the Southern Indiana Career and Tech Center, each participant made their way to tables dedicated to Nerf archery targets, strawberry DNA extractions, paper-made rockets and other activities.

Trini Hines, a first-year participant at New Tech Institute's STEM Fest, said she was drawn to many of the activity booths and felt there were a variety of displays tailored for different age groups.

Over 40 different organizations were present at the annual program, including Toyota, the EVSC Foundation, Berry Global and others.

"I think it's pretty cool how kids come, in pretty much all ages, and learn what they want to do when they get older and have a feel for everything," New Tech student Brennan Wheeler said.

Wheeler said he was surprised how interactive the kids were at all the activity booths, including the automotive-focused table he occupied.

"They don't even understand it but they're still interested in it," he said. "I think that's pretty cool."

New Tech principal Chris Gibson said Saturday's program looks to be the largest since its start four years ago.

"To see this many people out here, (the event) has grown every year," Gibson said. "We had 800 (participants) last year, and we're hoping for more this year."

The event's growth, Gibson said, is driven by the participation of the school's small parent group, which plans year-round to ensure the success of each program.

Parent volunteer Melissa Dirienzo said current and former New Tech students also play a vital role in the science event, with many preparing their own activity booths and helping with concession tables.

Gibson said having current students and New Tech alumni involved in the program pushes them to better their communication skills and community outreach.

"We want our students to speak well and be able to connect with the community," he said. "This event helps put that together. It's a great thing that matches a lot of what we try to do here."

With these collaborative efforts, Dirienzo said the preparation for next year's STEM Fest is already in full swing, with a date set for Feb. 20, 2021.