"This is like hitting a big garage sale," said Carole Hayes, describing the Fall Fest at St. John's Herr Estate. "We have a huge variety of items."

The Fall Fest will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18, at the retirement community, 200 Luther Lane, Columbia. Items for sale will include books, puzzles, household goods, crafts, jewelry and baked goods made by residents.

"You never know what we're going to have for sale," shared Anita Perrone, president of the executive committee. "This year we have an antique ironing board."

Along with other volunteers, Perrone and Hayes, vice president of the executive committee, spend all year collecting items from residents and residents' families, as well as donations from the community.

"People are always giving their stuff away," Hayes noted. "We have hundreds of books. We have stuffed animals and toys. People make afghans, hats and dishrags to sell. We really have something for everyone."

The Fall Fest will also feature food for sale, including homemade chicken corn soup, hot dogs, sloppy joes and beverages.

"The chicken corn soup is our head of dining services' grandmother's recipe, and it's very good," Perrone said. Soup will be available to enjoy on site and for carryout.

Money raised from the Fall Fest will benefit local organizations selected by the community's residents' council. Proceeds will also be used for the St. John's benevolent fund.

Hayes and Perrone noted that the Fall Fest requires a lot of planning to pull off a successful event. "It's all run by volunteers," Perrone stated. "We couldn't do this without our volunteers."

Hayes encouraged everyone to come out and shop, eat and socialize at the Fall Fest. "It's fun to meet and talk with people," she said. "It's just fun to walk around and see what we have for sale and pick up a bargain. Everything is priced to sell."

As of late August, the Fall Fest was scheduled to be held indoors at St. John's, in the chapel and nearby hallways. If necessary due to COVID restrictions, the sale will be held outside in the parking lot. Signs will be posted at the community directing people where to go for the Fall Fest. Masks will be required, whether the Fall Fest is held indoors or outside.