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After last year’s successful Pumpkin Patch, the First United Methodist Church of Andalusia will be bringing the patch back and adding a new scarecrow contest this year.

“We are looking forward to our annual Pumpkin Patch scheduled to open Saturday, Oct. 1. Once again, we will be receiving our pumpkins from Pumpkin Patch USA, which is a non-profit organization that exclusively works with other nonprofits to raise funds for mission work all over the country. This year, we are happy to announce we will be adding a scarecrow contest to the patch,” FUMC Youth Leader Heather Sabey said.

All groups, individuals, and businesses of Covington County are eligible for the scarecrow contest. Entry forms are available in the church office and also on the FUMC Andalusia Youth Facebook page. Entry is free and forms must be turned in by Friday, Sept. 30. The community will judge the scarecrow contest on a voting basis from Oct. 4 to 11.

“Our hope is that many area groups and businesses will participate creating many new and unique photo opportunities for families while at the patch. Those who enter the contest must have their scarecrow in place by Monday, Oct. 3. Ribbons will be announced and awarded Wednesday, Oct. 12 to our winners. We ask that all entries be family and children-friendly with no scary scarecrows. They will remain in our patch until Halloween,” Sabey added.

This year’s Pumpkin Patch will be open daily and run from Oct. 1 through 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. All funds raised will be used for spiritual growth in the church’s youth group as well as local mission projects.

For more information call Heather Sabey at 732-684-6733 or call the First United Methodist Church of Andalusia at 334-222-5018.