Free fall festival planned Sunday

Community spirit will be running thick in the streets at North Putnam High School this Sunday when everyone gathers for the second annual "Celebration Alley."

The free public event will include everything from games for the kids to a cake walk and chili cook-off. It will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. in the high school parking lot and gymnasium. NPHS is located about two miles north of the stoplight in Bainbridge, between Bainbridge and Roachdale.

"It's just a lot of fun and we want everyone from the community to come out for it," said Michelle Kiger, one of the people helping out with the event.

The idea was born last year when members from the Christian churches at Roachdale and Bainbridge were looking for a way to reach out to their community. About 200 people turned out last year and Kiger is hoping even more will come this year.

"It's not just for the North Putnam community," she said.

Activities galore include face painting, a cake walk, free food, puppet shows, bounce house, obstacle course, chili cook-off and a visit from the "Smoke House" and fire personnel.

Since the event is so close to Halloween, kids are also invited to wear their "non-scary" costumes. Several church members are planning to decorate their cars and pass out candy to the kids. They're calling it "Trunk or Treat."

Kiger believes the event will be especially attractive to families looking for a low-cost weekend activity.

"With the economy the way it is, there aren't a lot of things people can do that are free," she said. "We just hope everyone will come."

For more information, call Kiger at 522-3586.