Lampeter United Methodist Church (LUMC), 1101 Village Road, Lancaster, will hold its Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 29, from noon to 3 p.m. The rain-or-shine event will include food, beverages and autumn-themed games and activities for both children and their parents. Coinciding with the festival will be a jerk chicken barbecue hosted by the church's evangelism team. The festival is free to attend, and the barbecue will have a set price.

Children will be able to pick a pumpkin to decorate from a pumpkin patch donated by Cherry Crest Adventure Farm. Among the other activities offered will be a bounce house, harvest bingo, sack racing, an apple toss, pumpkin bowling, a pumpkin ring toss and a pumpkin roll, where contestants will push the large winter squash in a race against each other. Art students from Lampeter-Strasburg High School will provide face painting for children as well. Hot dogs, chips, apple cider, hot chocolate and a coffee bar will be offered to attendees free of charge.

This year will mark the second year LUMC has held Fall Fest. The seasonal event was started by church member Sarah Short and her mother, Mary Martz. "My mom and I joined the children's ministry last year and had the idea; the rest of the ministry jumped on board," said Short. "It was a huge success last year. We handed out over 100 treat bags and had over 200 attendees from Lampeter-Strasburg, Penn Manor and Quarryville." The event has expanded its offerings since last year and will include a free prize drawing for items donated by local businesses. Gift cards have been donated by Strasburg Marketplace, Shear Fade, Strasburg Pizza and Shady Maple. The Strasburg Rail Road and Barnyard Kingdom have also donated tickets for admission to their attractions.

The children's ministry at LUMC also facilitates other events and programs throughout the year. The ministry organized an Easter egg hunt in the spring that drew over 300 participants, as well as started a children's community choir at the beginning of October. The choir meets every Wednesday evening in preparation for its Christmas show, and each meeting incorporates a lesson and a game or craft. "I'm a parent of a child in our congregation, and I felt called to join the children's ministry last year," said Short. "Our goal is to reach out and connect with families that have young kids."

LUMC will also host a concert from gospel music group Mercy Run on Sunday, Oct. 23, at 4 p.m. The event is organized by pastor Larry Dunlap of Bird-in-Hand and will be free to attend. Light refreshments and snacks will be available.

For more information, visit http://www.lampeterumc.com.