When staff members at Lampeter United Methodist Church (LUMC) were brainstorming ideas for a fall event, secretary Sarah Short made a proposal. Instead of planning something for the church, Short thought it would be best to do some community outreach.

"We think it's time to get people back out and fellowship together," said Short. "We've been trying to grow our children's ministry, so we're hoping this event will attract more people to the church."

On Saturday, Oct. 23, LUMC will host its first community harvest festival and barbecue event. The festival will take place at LUMC, 1101 Village Road, Lampeter, from noon to 3 p.m., and it will feature free hot dogs and snacks. Adults can help themselves to a coffee bar while kids enjoy the hot chocolate bar. There will be several children's activities, including a bounce house and pumpkin decorating, as well as a pumpkin ring toss, sack races, autumn bingo, a pumpkin bean bag toss, a pumpkin roll a pumpkin balance, an apple toss, and pumpkin bowling. After participating in each game, kids will receive a stamp on their harvest festival stamp card, which can then be handed in for a treat bag and a prize of their choice. LUMC will also offer attendees the chance to win gift certificates from local businesses, such as the Strasburg Bakery, the Strasburg Rail Road, Pizza City, and Shear Fade.

Jerk chicken dinners will be sold at the harvest festival, as well. LUMC's pastor, the Rev. John Smith, will prepare the homemade jerk chicken, which will be paired with corn on the cob, applesauce, Spanish rice, a roll, a dessert, and a beverage. Non-spicy options will be available. The chicken can be served for takeout, or buyers can eat their meal at the festival. Preorders are strongly encouraged because only a limited number of meals will be available to purchase the day of the event. Preorders can be made by searching for "Jerk Chicken Dinner" at http://www.eventbrite.com.

"I'm looking forward to seeing families," said Smith. "It will be a good time to have fun, eat, and fellowship together."

The festival will take place rain or shine. For more information, visit http://www.lampeterumc.com, email lumcoffice@comcast.net, call 717-464-4161, or search for "Community Harvest Festival and Jerk Chicken Dinner" on Facebook.