Faith United Methodist Church is ready for the fall season once again with plenty of autumn activities for the family.
By MICHELLE JONES, Times Staff Writer
Published October 7, 2006
HUDSON - Visit Faith United Methodist Church's Pumpkin Patch this month and be treated instead of tricked.
This event has been offered to the Hudson community for the past 16 years and, according to event chairwoman Susan Aplin, the project has evolved into a major production.
This month young and old alike can visit the patch, purchase a pumpkin or participate in activities.
"This is a good outreach to the community and fellowship for the people in the church as they work together," said the Rev. Deborah Allen, who began serving as the church's pastor long after the event was started. "It has become a phenomenal success."
More than 1,600 pumpkins arrived on Sept. 30 and can be purchased or used for photo opportunities.
"You can have a photo taken with a pumpkin for just $3," said Aplin.
The patch is open daily this month. In addition to purchasing a pumpkin, children can participate in free activities such as hayrides, face painting, storytelling or creating their own scarecrow on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The church's Boy Scout troop helps stuff the scarecrows.
Throughout the week school children, kids from day care centers and nursing home residents are invited to visit.
Everything, with the exception of the scarecrow building, is offered Monday through Friday.
"We are booked through Oct. 31," said Aplin.
The church will accommodate other groups, Aplin said, but a reservation should be made.
Last year more than 700 people participated in the event.
Allen said it is a joy to see how much fun everyone has, especially the "senior citizen youngsters" who were invited to attend for the first time last year.
On Saturdays, food, including cheeseburgers, hot dogs, nachos, chips and soda and water, can be purchased. Everything is free except the pumpkins, photos and food.
"Proceeds from the event are used for the children's ministry the rest of the year," said Allen. "It's an investment back into our children."
On Oct. 29 the church offers what it calls Trunk-A-Treat to the children of the community from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Members of the congregation decorate their car trunks and offer treats, from their car trunks, to everyone.
"We did it last year for the first time and it was a blast," said Aplin.
During the Trunk-A-Treat there will also be entertainment by the church's Kids for Christ Choir and by the adult choir under the direction of George Winslow and his assistant Jessica Deluca.
