Only five vendor spots remain for Father’s House Church’s first fall festival, which is set to include a corn maze, pumpkin patch, hayride, scavenger hunt, carnival games, food and dozens of local vendors.
Kristen Curole, the church’s children’s coordinator and fall festival media director, said the Oct. 10 and Oct. 11 event will include up to 42 vendors.
Vendors will be provided with a space but should bring their own tables, tents, chairs, signage and anything needed to display products and accept payments.
The booth fee is $25 for one day or $50 for both days.
“We intentionally kept the cost low because we want people to have the opportunity to come, showcase their gifts and talents and share what they have created without already starting in the hole,” Curole said.
Vendors already registered include sellers offering boutique clothing, homemade baked goods, permanent jewelry, trucker hats, makeup bags, jellies and sauces, honey, candles, vintage jewelry, artisan soaps, sourdough bread, decorative towels and 3D-printed items. Fried catfish will also be available, and Da Crab Guy of Des Allemands is expected to prepare jambalaya.
Money raised through the fall festival will go back into ministries at Father’s House Church, including its children’s ministry, youth groups, homeschool co-op and The 41 House, a recovery home located on the church grounds.
“Every ticket purchased, booth reserved and fundraiser supported will help us continue pouring into children, families and people within our community,” Curole said.
Curole said the event has been a long time coming and grew out of a desire for community outreach.
Two longtime members of the church, Ludy and Mark Dufrene, had carried the idea for the event for some time, she said.
“Our church has been blessed with so much land, and we want to see it filled with life, community, laughter and families,” Curole said.
She said the church hopes the fall festival gives visitors a chance to enjoy a day of family activities while also feeling welcomed.
“Of course, we hope people leave with wonderful memories — family fun, prizes, laughter, full bellies and lots of joy,” she said. “But more importantly, we want them to leave with a genuine sense of belonging.”
Curole said the church has grown tremendously in recent years, not only in numbers but also in its commitment to being led by the Holy Spirit.
“Our Sunday mornings are not really planned, scheduled or timed,” she said. “We simply follow the Spirit and welcome whatever God desires to do.”
She said the fall festival has also brought together members of the church with different skills and responsibilities.
“There are so many people working behind the scenes to make this event everything we believe it can be,” she said. “I am simply grateful that I get to play a small part in what God is bringing together.”