Describing the annual Fall Fest at St. John's Herr Estate, Carolyn Livingston said it offers something for everyone. "This is an event this community looks forward to," she stated. This year's Fall Fest will be held at the retirement community, 200 Luther Lane, Columbia, on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be set up inside the chapel, rotunda and recreation room.

"It's a big yard sale," said Anita Perrone, president of the Residents' Council at St. John's. "There's also a lot of food for sale."

Yard sale items are donated by residents and their families and include gently used books, puzzles, household goods, jewelry and crafts. "We have a lot of seasonal items and lots of Christmas items," Livingston stated. "Everything is very reasonably priced."

Food options are prepared both by the kitchen staff as well as residents. "There will be hot dogs, sloppy joes and chicken corn soup. Everyone loves the soup," Perrone remarked. "We'll have a huge variety of baked goods made by the residents. They do everything from fudge to brownies, breads, cookies and muffins."

Proceeds from the Fall Fest benefit the Residents' Council and are used in-house for events such as a New Year's Eve celebration, to fund staff Christmas presents and to bolster the retirement community's benevolent fund. Proceeds are also given to various local nonprofits, including Hands Across the Street and Luthercare Kids.

Perrone noted that the Fall Fest is a tradition at St. John's. "It's always the third Saturday in September," she said. "We have people who come from all over the county and into York County. You'll find a little bit of everything for sale, and it's a very friendly atmosphere. It's a fun, laid-back event."

Along with the Fall Fest, the Residents' Council will host a drive-through chicken barbecue on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the community. Meals will include a half-chicken, a roll, a baked potato and applesauce. Preordered meals must be picked up by 2 p.m. Tickets are available in the office at 200 Luther Lane. Preorders are not required but are suggested.