CAMDEN — By PATRIC FLANNIGAN and
BRADLY GILL
Staff writer
During this fall and Halloween season, several groups in Camden and the surrounding area are planning Fall Festivals and Halloween-themed events. One of those events will be the fifth Annual City-wide Fall Festival at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Word Family Church, 295 North St. in Camden.
The event is co-sponsored by The Word Family Church and the Ouachita County Ministerial Alliance. Area churches will have a variety of booths managed by adults with family-friendly games and information. Children can wear costumes and enjoy food and bouncy houses.
Bishop Jacovis Davis told the Camden News that it will be a night of family, friends, food and fun. He explained that the goal of the event is to give children a safe environment to have fun. The event will close with prayer.
Bishop Chester Thompson said that several churches will participate in the event and provide activities for the children’s enjoyment. He added that churches can still bring candy or food for the event to give out to the community.
Last year, there was a crowd of around 400 people that attended the event, which featured a costume contest and door prizes.
Other events include:
• Bearden Haunted House
There will be a "Nightmare on Main Street" haunted house at 7 p.m. on Oct. 27, 28, 30, and 31 in downtown Bearden across from the Gazebo. Proceeds will go towards the Bearden Ball League and Gazebo Festival. General admission will be $5.
• 6th Annual Hallelujah Harvest
New Starlight Baptist Church will host its 6th Annual Hallelujah Harvest at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28. The church is located at 2780 Cash Road in Camden across from Cardinal Cafe. There will be hayrides, bounce houses, popcorn, peanuts, snow cones, hamburgers, hot dogs, prizes, candy galore and the Great Gift Giveaway.
• Halloween in the Park
Timothy United Methodist Church, 1800 California St., will host "Halloween in the Park" from 5-7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28. Bring the children for a night of fun and lots of candy.
• Fall Harvest Festival
Sylvan Hills Baptist Church, 3584 Arkansas376 South, will have their Fall Festival from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28.. There will be free games and prizes, a bounce house, train rides, hot dogs and drinks, and popcorn. There will be a cake walk at 6 p.m. for $3 donation, followed by a hay ride and closing with Trunk or Treat. Participants are invited to wear costumes.
• ONRC Fall Festival
Ouachita Nursing and Rehab Center will have their Fall Festival from 1-5 p.m. on Oct. 31. There will be free food, fun games and candy for trick or treaters.
• Trunk or Treat
Harmony Grove United Methodist Church will have their Trunk or Treat on Oct. 31 from 6-7:30 p.m. The church is located on the corner next to Harmony Grove School.
• First Baptist Church Fall Festival Trunk or Treat
First Baptist Church of Camden will be having thier annual Fall Festival Trunk or Treat Sunday October, 29 from 6-8 p.m. There will be games, a bounce house and lots of candy. For more information, call 836-6456.
• Calco Freak Show
Hogskin Holidays will host Calco Freak Show at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 27, 28, 30 and 31 at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds at 305 Elm Street in Hampton. The cost is $20.