Pam Dudding-Burch
Contributing writer
As the hustle and bustle of summer falls away, the transformation of the Fall Season approaches with beauty around every corner one can see.
To celebrate, Grace Assembly of God is having a Community Harvest Celebration, inviting everyone to join them in this festive time on Saturday, October 28 from 10-4 p.m. at 5530 Catawba Valley Drive. “The Lord placed this on my heart and we are excited that it is going to be a full and packed day of events and fun,” Chris Thompson, event coordinator, said.
There will be live music by Stevie Carper and friends from 10:30-1 p.m. and a live D.J. Patrick Worley. In case one gets a little hungry, BBQ, hot dogs and delicious homemade baked goods will be available. And, don’t forget the kettle corn, funnel cakes and newly addictive fried Oreos! Plus, the youth will be making candied apples.
Everyone can join in the pumpkin painting and ‘special made’ corn-hole games. The entire family can also have their picture taken at the outside fall photo set up.
Kids will have lots of fun at their own ‘Kids Zone’ Carnival that will have a large variety of games where they win tickets and turn them in for prizes. Also, there will be face painting and a challenging hay maze they can walk through. Books and Bibles will be given away and there will be ‘Special story times’ for kids to enjoy.
Grace Assembly believes that bringing ‘community’ to the community strengthens its power of unity. Pastor Loraine Taylor encourages having events to bring people together for fellowship and fun as well as teaching the uncompromised Word of God on Sundays and Wednesdays.
In addition to the day, there will be local crafters with unique, handcrafted jewelry. “We want people to enjoy the talents of our locals who make beautiful, one of-a-kind items,” Jones shared. Sandy Jones is the Administrative Assistant and co-coordinator.
“God placed in my heart for our kids to have a playground and we have been working on raising funds to build it,” Thompson said. “We grew a vegetable garden and sold canned goods this year along with some other projects.” They will also be selling raffle tickets for a Stihl Chain saw and a grill.
Other interesting items will be tie dye clothing, artistic stained glass, homemade soaps and lotions, handcrafted knits and rugs, creative designed primitives, monogramed designed items, homemade candles, ceramics and leather works.
Also, homemade jellies and apple butter will be available in plenty as well as local beef for sale. “We will start the fresh apple butter at 2 a.m. and it should be ready by 3 p.m. for purchase,” Jones added.
The local police will also be attending at 1 p.m. to answer any questions for parents about ‘Halloween Safety’.
Metal chairs will be available too, but if people would like to stay and sit a spell, they are welcome to bring their own outdoor chairs.
“Bring your whole family and enjoy a time of fun and fall celebration with us!” Chris Thompson shared. “We are hoping this community event takes off and grows yearly and maybe even twice a year!” For more info, contact (540) 271-0107 or the church at (540) 384-7075.
