THE CROSSING WEEKLY

On Saturday, October 2nd, the Crossing Life Church put on its seventh Pumpkinfest, an annual fall festival. Pumpkinfest 2021 brought in many faces from across the state, and even from out of state. The weather was balmy, and the sun peaked in and out of the clouds over the largest turn out to date! With this festival always comes many things to do – games, hayrides, live music, concessions, and local vendors; something for the entire family to enjoy.

Many hands went into making this year stand out as one of the best yet. Vendors like Prancing Pony, Buxton Pizza Truck, the Crossing Life Church Concessions, Craft Market Vendors from our local community, and our very own Kerygma Cafe all made an appearance, producing a delicious selection of food and drink.

There were activities such as axe throwing and log splitting contests, along with a kid’s corner for families to experience face painting and other creative fall-themed entertainment. The usual humorous Dreamers’ Ranch fundraiser, the cow patty drop raffle, was transformed into a chicken drop raffle, bringing in money for the program and for the winner! For the first time, they also hosted a petting zoo filled with rabbits, chickens, and sheep, which was a popular attraction amongst the kids.

A stream of live music played throughout the day, with bands performing from noontime into the end of the night bonfires. Appearances from Billy Bones, Dave Spaulding, Mark Bishop Evans, Matt and Bekah Chenel, Serenade, and Andrew and the Intervention, all made for a wonderful and eclectic flow throughout the day.

Josiah Armstrong’s SOWA graced us with a live demonstration of martial arts mixed with dance, showcasing the talent and beauty that comes with the movement and discipline of body and spirit. The inspiring demonstration was followed by an interactive plank contest to remember for kids and adults alike, with Wes Shattuck winning the plank contest for a second year in a row, at 70 years old, with a total of eight minutes (and he could have gone longer!)

The highlight of the day, many reflected on, was the beauty of being able to come to an inviting place and spend time with their friends and loved ones. When creating space for the kingdom on earth, we always aim to cultivate a hospitable atmosphere, with loving people forefront in mind. All the hard work and dedication put in prior to a day like Pumpkinfest, is worth it when you look at everyone enjoying themselves and having fun-filled day. We are already looking forward to next year.

Our God has given us a land that has much to offer to those coming onto it, and Pumpkinfest was a successful expression of inviting others in to share the blessings! We are so thankful for what God is doing now and will continue to do in the future. Fall is upon us, and the harvest is ripe!