Local churches, others slate the week's festivals

As the weather turns cooler and the time changes, churches, schools and other entities across Bullard celebrate either with a Halloween event or fall festival. Those in the area we are aware of include:

The annual PTO carnival

Bullard Elementary is holding its annual fall festival from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27. The event, sponsored by the PTO, is the group's biggest fund-raiser of the year. The public is invited to attend - complete with games, bounce houses, a hayride, dunk tank, cupcake walk, face painting a clown, races and a hot dog supper. All proceeds benefit Bullard Elementary School. For more information, call the school at 903-894-6389.

First Baptist holds crusade, festival

First Baptist Church Bullard will hold a three-day event beginning on Sunday, Oct. 29 and culminating Tuesday, Oct. 31 with a fall festival. The "Kids Crusade, will feature Glen Ray Little, a professional storyteller.

Little is a pastor and evangelist who travels throughout the United States and abroad speaking in churches, schools, and conventions.

"Glenn has challenged and captivated thousands, by using his creative gifts," said member Pam Davis. "He makes not only the Bible, but also the life of Jesus Christ come to life in new and innovative ways to bring people of all ages into a deeper walk with our Lord.

Little is on staff at Sagemont Church in Houston where he works closely with the Worship and Praise and Children's Ministry. He lives in Pasadena, with his wife Lisa and two children Emily and Ethan.

"We feel lucky to have him at our event," Davis said.

The schedule for the crusade is:

* Sunday Oct. 29 6 - 7:30 p.m.

* Monday Oct. 30 6 - 7:30 p.m.

* Tuesday Oct. 31- 6 - 7 p.m. (the end of the crusade), followed by a fall festival from 7-8 p.m.

Games and snacks will be provided every night.

The event is open to ages kindergarten through fifth grade. For more information, call the church office at 903-894-8999.

FUMC holds 'Trunk or Treat'

First United Methodist Church, Bullard, is holding its annual "Trunk or Treat" from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday on the corner of Rather and Cain streets. Participants decorate the trunks of their cars and fill them with goodies for the children.

There will be fun and games for the kids, prizes every 20 minutes and lots of candy. For more information call 903-894-6762.

Grace Fellowship holds harvest celebration

Grace Fellowship Church, Flint, is holding its third annual "Harvest Celebration," from 6 - 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30. There will be games, a puppet show, candy, skits, hot dogs and drinks. There will also be a bounce house and a 20-inch slide. The public is welcome and invited to attend. Grace Fellowship Church is located just north of the four-way stop in Flint. For more information, call 903- 894-6042 or visit the web site and www.gfc-flint.com.

City of Tyler plans fall festival

The City of Tyler will host its sixth annual fall festival from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 26 at the Glass Recreation Center, 501 West 32nd Street.

Kids of all ages and their parents are invited to come in costume and join in the fun.

There will be refreshments, games and prizes. Acostume contest will be held for children from pre-K to 5th grade. Several local businesses have donated candy, popcorn, hot dogs, drinks and other refreshments for the festival.

For more information call 903-533-1397.

Mount Selman unmasks Bible heroes

The public is invited to Mount Selman Baptist Church from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, for "Heroes Unmasked." The event is an all fun, no fear, Bible adventure.

Children and families will encounter Bible Hero actors, play more than a dozen carnival games, get family photos taken, enjoy face painting, decorate cookies to take home and collect "Bible Hero" cards to trade and treasure.

Mount Selman Baptist Church is located in Mount Selman, south on U.S. Hwy. 69, behind the old Texaco station. For more information call Rose Bowen at 903-586-6217 or Linda Ward at 903-894-7849.

Moore farms continues celebration

Throughout October, Moore Farms is displaying the entries in its annual scarecrow contest.

Categories range from traditional to whimsical, and visitors voted for their favorites.

Winners were announced Oct. 21.

Located west of Bullard of County Road 181, Moore Farms is owned and operated by Cleve and Lesley Moore and their children. The farm also has a pumpkin patch, corn maze and vegetables.

Outreach center holds holiday alternative

Schambach Global Outreach Center is holding a Halloween alternative celebration from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 31.

The event is free to the public and includes food, black-light puppets, a movie, jump house, giant slide, candy and prizes. The center is located at 22525 Highway 155 South. For more information, call 903-825-9572 or 903-825-9361.

Tyler Jaycees continue haunted house

In its 34th year, the Tyler Jaycees Haunted House is currently under way. Doors open at 7 p.m. The Halo Down performance begins at 8pm. The house is located at 304 E Ferguson, just off the square in downtown Tyler and features more than 20 different rooms. General admission price is $10. The Asylum is open Oct. 25- 31 starting at 7pm each night.

Larissa House to hold carving contest

Get out your knives and go find the perfect pumpkin because Larissa House Restaurant in Jacksonville has announced plans for their sixth annual Pumpkin Carving Contest. This year, each artist will be given a t-shirt in addition to vying for the chance to win a $100 gift card.

Entries should arrive at 301 West Larissa St., Jacksonville (across from the Police Station) during normal hours of operation, 11 am - 8 pm on Thursday, Oct. 26 or Friday, Oct. 27. If you enter a pumpkin, please note that no form of identification should be visible on your entry. Each pumpkin will be given a number upon arrival with the voting conducted by restaurant guests on Saturday, Oct. 28 and Monday, Oct. 30. The winning design announced on Halloween at sundown.

All entries will be featured in a Pumpkin "Glow" beginning at dark on Oct. 31 and costumed trick-or-treaters are invited to visit the restaurant to enjoy the pumpkin creations and goodies. For official carving contest rules and additional information, visit the restaurant's website at www.LarissaHouse.com or phone 903-586-5356.

Dress up your pet for Halloween

Why should kids have all the fun? You and your beloved dog can enjoy the laughter of dressing up in costumes and competing for prizes on Saturday, Oct. 28, at Pet & Friends LLC.

Prizes for the most original costume and the best presentation will be awarded, plus door prizes and goody bags for all participants. Ready, The Smith County American Red Cross' dog will hand out information to pet owners on disaster preparedness for pets.

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Contestants must be on a leash to be eligible to compete. The contest starts at 10 a.m. Pets & Friends, LLC is located at 2979 Highway 110 North in Tyler. Call for more information at 903-526- 7400.