Fall Festival

From tots to teens, youngsters throughout the community are invited to join their friends and neighbors for an early evening of free fun and food. First United Methodist Church of Brandon is opening up its courtyard at 121 N. Knights Ave. on Oct. 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. for its annual Fall Festival.

Church members will be hosting Trunk-N-Treat, a wholesome Halloween alternative featuring decorated car trunks filled with candy and other treats. Costumes are encouraged, except for those that may be scary, evil or offensive to others. Also on tap for the younger set are crafts and games of all kinds as well as inflatables, music, face painting and hayrides. In addition, children and adults alike are welcome to enjoy complimentary grilled hot dogs and hamburgers.

The event, in its fourth year, is meant as an outreach to the community and the fact that 700 to 800 attendees are expected this year is testimony of its success.

First UMC Brandon members Michelle and Sigmund Martis brought their toddler son, Bradon, now 4, to the inaugural event. They’ve returned every year since, more recently with their 19-month-old daughter Eliana  in tow.

“I like it because it’s a safe place and I know the people who are handing out the candy,”said Michelle, who noted every year they also invite people who aren’t members of the church to go along with them.

Longtime church members Becky and Ron Jordan never miss an opportunity to get involved in projects that benefit others. And they certainly wouldn’t miss the Fall Festival and the fun of bedecking their trunk with festive Halloween adornments and loading it with a heap of goodies to give to the kids.

“The Trunk-N-Treat is a wonderful outreach program to families living near the First UMC Brandon campus,” Becky said. “It is another way to demonstrate ‘You Are Loved,’ just like (the words written) on our yard signs and the decals on our vehicles.”

First United Methodist Church of Brandon is located just north of State Road 60 (Brandon Boulevard), at 121 N. Knights Ave., between Kings and Parsons avenues. Call the church office at 813-689-4161 for more details or visit www.fumcbrandon.org.