By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Staff Writer

JEMISON – Jemison First Baptist Church will be hosting its annual fall festival on Wednesday, Oct. 12 from 6-8 p.m.

A lot of people might expect a smaller crowd to attend a local churches festival, but that’s something Pastor Rex Kent will tell you is far from the truth.

“My first year here they told me there would be around 600 people show up and I honestly didn’t believe them,” said Kent, who has been with the church for the past seven years. “Sure enough we had 600 people show up and I just couldn’t believe my eyes.”

The event continues to grow each year and Kent said they are planning to have enough activities and food for 800 people this year.

“It’s incredible to see that kind of turnout and to see the fun that people of all ages are having,” he said.

The event will include all of the following activities:

• A cakewalk.
• Obstacle courses.
• A moonwalk for small children.
• A jousting area.
• A dunk tank.
• A jumbo 24-inch slide.

Kent said there would be other activities as well and the church will be serving hot dogs, cotton candy, popcorn, drinks and other snacks.

“At some point I like to give a brief sermon as well, but the event is mainly just for families and kids to come enjoy themselves,” he said.

 Not only is this event free to attend, but it is also open to the entire community. Kent said anybody who wants to come out and have an enjoyable Wednesday night is welcome to stop by.

“It takes a lot of our folks to put this on and it does them good to serve,” he said. “This event reminds us all that it’s not just about ourselves, but giving back to others and that we are supposed to serve one another.”

Kent also said the youth play a big part in the work that goes into putting the event on.

“They are a big part of the workforce and it really teaches them responsibility,” he said. “They enjoy doing it and look forward to putting the festival on each year.”