You know fall has really arrived when hundreds of pumpkins take up residence on the lawn at Myers Memorial United Methodist Church in Gastonia.
All across Gaston County churches celebrate the change of season with festivals, pumpkin sales and trunk or treating events that provide a family-friendly alternative to Halloween revelry.
At Myers Memorial, the annual pumpkin patch is a tradition dating back more than three decades. Proceeds from the fundraiser go to benefit the youth ministry and the funds have made it possible for youngsters to take on mission work in North Carolina and surrounding states. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7:30 daily through Oct. 31. the patch is located behind the church on Burtonwood Drive, off South new Hope Road.
Starting today and continuing through October, the Gazette will publish a weekly list of fall-related events and fundraisers planned by Gaston areas churches. To have your festival, bazaar or trunk of treat event list, e-mail the information to wmacdonald@gastongazette.com, FAX it to 704-867-5751, or mail it to the Gazette, P.O. Box 1538, Gastonia, NC 28053, attention will MacDonald. And look for the list right here on Saturdays in the Faith section.
Here’s a look at upcoming church-related fall events.
- Bethesda United Methodist, corner of South new Hope Road and Beatty Road, Gastonia, holds a Family Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 15 featuring food, contemporary Christian bands and bluegrass music, a silent auction, crafts for sale, and activities for children. call 704-824-1576.
- Christ United Methodist, 3415 Union Road, Gastonia, holds a fall festival from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31, featuring free food, music, games, cake walk, bingo, and trunk or treat.
- first Baptist Church, 107 E. Washington St., Bessemer City, holds a Halloween Celebration at 6 p.m. Oct. 31 in the family life center featuring treat bags.
- Philadelphia Evangelical Lutheran, 1910 Philadelphia Church Road, Dallas, presents Octoberfest from 3 to 8 p.m. Oct. 22. the event will feature home cooked barbecue pork and chicken, activities for children, antique cars and tractors on display, historical and ministry displays by Philadelphia Evangelical Lutheran and other Lutheran churches. There will also be music by Worship Restrung, playing contemporary liturgical/rock; the Griggs performing bluegrass and gospel; and sacred and choral music from the Lenior-Rhyne University Youth Chorus. the barbecue dinners cost $10 for adults and $6 for youth ages 11-14. Children age 10 and under eat free. For more information, call 704-922-5334, 704-922-5191 or 704-854-1947.
- – Ragan Wesleyan, 535 Oates Road, Gastonia, holds a Corn Hole Tournament and Fall Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 29 featuring games, prizes, stuffed animals, free hot dogs and drinks. the tournament is open to ages 11 and up. Registration takes place from 10 to 11 a.m., with the tournament beginning noon. the church is located just off the Gastonia-Bessemer City Highway.
- - St. John’s Missionary Baptist, 1282 Bradford Heights Road, Gastonia, holds Christian Treat Night from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.
- Unity Baptist, 482 N. Myrtle School Road, Gastonia, holds a Trunk-or-Treat event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31. call 704-865-7601.