Its annual Pumpkin Patch is back for the third time and will include an autumn market to the celebrations.
The 2018 patch will be open to the public from on Monday, October. 2. It will be open until Halloween on Tuesday, October. 31. The hours of operation are beginning at 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day.
“It’s this time of season again. Since our first season of pumpkins the youth of our church have been able to help our community. They’ve provided personal hygiene products to local schools, cooked meals for ministries and individuals from the Church, with the support of our local football teams as well as offset the cost for students attending religious retreats and excursions and also provided financial aid for spiritual retreats and donated funds to international missions, and so much more. We would like to think of every pumpkin we sell at the farm as a missionary for a child,” FMC Youth Leader Heather Sabey said.
Pumpkin Patch USA will be giving out pumpkins on Sunday October. 1 at 4:45 p.m.
“We will receive more pumpkins than we did last year. If anyone wants to help with loading, it could be an ideal opportunity student earn hours of service,” she added.
A brand new “Fall Market” will be added to the lineup for this year on Saturday, Oct. 14 between 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
“The Market Day will benefit our Celebrate Recovery Ministry here at FMC Andalusia. We’re still taking vendors for this portion of the field, however there are a limited number of spaces available. The contact to vendors would be Karen Kay. She can be reached at karenkay1962@gmail.com or 318-914-3136. If you are interested in becoming vendors can also drop at the church office. We’d like to see the chance to have a bounce house this day to invite families to visit to enjoy a day at the patch. There are picnic tables for use as well as a playground that is accessible to all during the hours of patch,” she said.
The annual community scarecrow competition was first introduced at the previous year’s festival, will also return. Any group, individual and businesses in Covington County can participate. entries forms that can be found in Church offices or Facebook. FMC Andalusia Youth Facebook page.
Registration is free. Forms are due to the church office before October. 1. Forms that are completed can be delivered to Sabey via text at 732-684-6733. All submissions must be received and their scarecrows put set up by Oct. 6. The public will be able to vote on their favorite exhibit on October. 7-15. The ribbons will be announced, and awarded on Oct. 18. All entries are required to remain within the lot until October. They must be child and family friendly. Scary Halloween scarecrows aren’t allowed.
“We look forward to our second contest for scarecrows in the community on the field and we encourage everyone to include the name of their company or group to their scarecrow. Anyone is welcome to and take photos of their group’s creation. The fun and unique scarecrows local groups, clubs family, and business of Covington County created was an unforgettable experience this year. We are looking forward to having even more enjoyable next year.” Sabey said.
For more information, call toll free at the First Methodist Church of Andalusia at 334-222-5018.
The article FMC is preparing for the annual “Pumpkin patch” with a new market for fall was first published at The Andalusia Star-News.
