"We have fun, creative activities planned for everyone," said Miranda Heistand, who is helping to organize the Rissers Mennonite Church Fall Festival. "Come enjoy food, fellowship, games, activities and experience parts of the Bible on display." The Fall Festival will be held at the church, 8360 Elizabethtown Road, Elizabethtown, on Saturday, Oct. 29, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

"We've really tried to make sure we have activities for all ages, from young people to older people," said Tiffany Landis, a member of the Connections Committee at the church. "If you've been to our fall events in the past, this year will be totally different."

The church has held fall gatherings in the past, but this year, the committee members added a new twist with a variety of stations. The Fall Festival will feature games and activities, including pumpkin painting, pumpkin bingo, a puzzle station, snacks and a campfire. "This year we are offering a substitute for trick-or-treat night as we feature a Trunk or Treat event, where vehicle trunks will be decorated with a Bible story theme," said outreach chair Arlene Heistand.

The Fall Festival will conclude with a concert by Ironwood Drive Band, which will perform in the church sanctuary at 7 p.m. The band performs a mix of traditional and gospel bluegrass music.

With the exception of the concert, the Fall Festival activities will take place outside due to construction at the church. In the event of rain, the activities will be postponed until Saturday, Nov. 5, but the concert will be held on Oct. 29, rain or shine.

The festival is an opportunity for the church members to reach out to the community, said pastor Daryl Heistand. "We look forward to getting to know our neighbors and friends while enjoying some fall-themed events," he remarked. "We feel it's important to get the community together and share the love of Jesus with those around us, and this event gives us a chance to do that."

Risser Mennonite Church holds Sunday school for children and adults at 9 a.m., followed by the worship service at 10 a.m. For more information on the Fall Festival, call 717-653-4549.