Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The First Methodist Church of Andalusia’s annual Pumpkin Patch will return for the third consecutive year with the addition of a fall market joining the festivities.

This year’s patch will be open to the public beginning Monday, Oct. 2, and running through Halloween on Tuesday, Oct. 31. Hours of operation will be from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily.

“It’s that time of year again. Since our first pumpkin season, our youth have been able to bless our community. They have provided personal hygiene products for local schools, prepared meals for individuals and ministries of the church, helped support our local football teams, helped offset costs for students to attend spiritual retreats and outings, offered scholarships for spiritual retreats, donated funds for global missions, and much more. We like to think of each pumpkin sold at the patch as little missionaries,” FMC Youth Leader Heather Sabey said.

Pumpkin Patch USA will be delivering pumpkins on Sunday, Oct. 1, at 4:30 p.m.

“We will be receiving even more pumpkins than last season. If anyone would like to lend a hand in unloading, it would be a great way for students to earn service hours,” she added.

A new “Fall Market” joins the lineup this season Saturday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“The Market Day will benefit our Celebrate Recovery Ministry here at FMC Andalusia. We are still accepting vendors for that portion of the patch, but spaces are limited. The contact person for vendors is Karen Kay. She can be reached at karenkay1962@gmail.com or 318-914-3136. Those interested in being a vendor may also stop by our church office. We hope to have a bounce house here that day to encourage families to come out and enjoy some time in the patch. We have picnic tables available, and our playground is open to all during patch hours,” she said.

The community scarecrow contest, which made its debut at last year’s patch, will also be back. All groups, individuals, and businesses of Covington County are eligible with entry forms available in the church office or on the FMC Andalusia Youth Facebook page.

Entry is free and forms must be turned in to the church office by Oct. 1. Completed forms may also be sent to Sabey via text at 732-684-6733. All entries must be received and have their scarecrows in place by Oct. 6. The community will vote for their favorite display Oct. 7-15. Ribbons will be announced and awarded Oct. 18. All entries must remain in the patch until Halloween and be family and children friendly. Scary scarecrows will not be permitted.

“We are looking forward to our second community scarecrow contest at the patch and encourage all entries to add their group or business name to their display. Everyone is welcome to come take pictures of their team with their creation. Seeing the fun and unique scarecrows area clubs, groups, families, and businesses of Covington County came up with was a highlight last year, and we look forward to it being even more fun this year,” Sabey said.

For more information call the First Methodist Church of Andalusia at 334-222-5018.