Large turnout expected for church festival

The public is encouraged to come out and be a part of First Presbyterian Church’s annual Fall Fest. The church is located at 582 Southwood Drive in Eden, and the festival will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, from 7:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Pat Smith, program coordinator for the church, said there will be at least 16 vendors for this year’s festival.

“We do about the same thing every year, but we try to have new and different vendors come out and sale their wares,” Smith said. “We are also focusing greatly on health this year, so we are offering flu shots, and we will have a bloodmobile on site.”

The event will also feature a bone marrow testing area, pneumonia vaccines, and blood pressure tests. Smith said they’ve had flu shots before, but this is the first time they will be offering bone marrow testing. She also stressed that just because an individual is tested doesn’t mean they would be called. They would just be in the system as a potential donor.

Prizes are also a big part of the Fall Fest. Those attending will have a chance to win door prizes, which will be given away all day, and special prizes will be given away by raffle, including a stainless steel barbecue grill, a flat screen television, and a one week vacation at the beach. There is also a handmade quilt being raffled which was made by a church member.

“We normally have about 500 people who come out over the course of the day,” Smith said. “I am hoping for that or more if the weather is nice.”
The event starts off with a big yard sale co-sponsored by the Rockingham Pregnancy Care Center. The center donates items to the yard sale and the proceeds are split with the church.

“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to find great Christmas bargains,” Smith said. “There will be a big variety of items here for sale and very delicious baked goods that can be tucked away for the holidays.”

Smith said many items are reasonably priced so they can be affordable for those on a tight budget.

“We will have something for everybody and even things that children can afford,” Smith said. “This will be a fun-filled day with many activities, programs and bargains. Hopefully this will be a day where everyone can come out, enjoy some shopping, have the chance to win prizes and (share in some) fellowship.”