There’ll be fun for all ages at the Ox Hill Baptist Church Fall Festival. It’s set for Saturday, Oct. 26, from 3-6 p.m., at 4101 Elmwood St. in Chantilly. Putting it on jointly with the church are Fairfax County’s Neighborhood and Community Services, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington and Pohanka Automotive Group.
Children are encouraged to come in their Halloween costumes to join in a parade. They can also enjoy games, face-painting, cupcake walks, crafts, food, deejay music, a moonbounce and an inflatable slide. And adults will have the opportunity to learn about various resources and programs that can help them.
“It’s a way for us to collaborate with our community partners to be able to further reach local residents,” said event organizer John Majette, the church’s minister of Community Engagement and Youth. “We want to bring awareness of the services available to them.”
Free Chick-fil-A sandwiches, hot dogs and beverages will be among the food offered. And the festivities will include a touch-a-truck area, with a police cruiser from the Fair Oaks District Station and a fire engine from Fire Station 15 in Chantilly.
Each child will receive a basket to take around and collect surprises from each table. They may also bring their bicycles to the festival to participate in a bike rodeo. The Fairfax County Police Department’s Bike Patrol will be on hand to teach them bike safety and skills.
“Our Spanish-speaking congregation, Rio Poderoso, will also participate,” said Majette. “People can meet their pastor and congregation and learn about their activities.”
Ox Hill Baptist was one of Western Fairfax Christian Ministries’ (WFCM) original member churches and, in partnership with this nonprofit, it’s taking part in WFCM’s Project Clean. This effort provides free detergent, dryer sheets and quarters so local people in need can do their laundry. So at the festival, there’ll be a mission table where people can help fill water bottles with detergent.
In addition, coats will be collected for the Boys & Girls Club to distribute to people in need. To arrange for a pickup on Oct. 21, email Majette at John@OxHillBaptist.org.
A public-health nurse with the county Health Department will be available to talk about the vaping crisis in the community, and the county will also offer free health screenings.
Hoping for a good turnout at this second-annual festival, Majette encourages everyone to “Come have a good time and meet other people in the community. We’re looking forward to it.”
For more information, call 703-324-5347 or go to https://communityfallfestival.splashthat.com.