Son Harvest County Fair starts

Published 12:00 am Monday, July 14, 2003

Parents and children were lined up at the door Monday night to register for Park Memorial United Methodist Church's &uot;SonHarvest County Fair&uot; Vacation Bible School.

The church's Family Life Center was decorated with county fair scenes including pigs, horses, cows, goats and hay.

VBS director Tammy Brooks said it's the first time they've been able to hold Bible school in the new center and is pleased with the results and the space. Last year, an average of 111 children attended each night and the teachers were limited on where their classes met. This year about 150 children are expected and Brooks said there is plenty of room for everyone.

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Brooks said the new space also allowed them to be more elaborate with the decorating.

&uot;This is the first year we've had room for stage scenery,&uot; she said. &uot;It is truly a blessing.&uot;

Each night children will learn about different gifts of the spirit centered on a country theme. Monday night's topic was Grow Love. Other topics include Plant Peace, Sprout Joy, Produce Patience and Pick Kindness.

The evening will start off with a skit centered on each theme and music. Children can also eat supper at VBS. Each night, plates will be piled high with fair food including hot dogs, corn dogs, hamburgers and pizza.

The five fruits of the spirit are also represented by different fruits, which will be served with dinner as well. Grapes represent love, peaches represent peace, strawberries represent joy, watermelon represents patience and apples represent kindness.

&uot;I think kids will be excited,&uot; Brooks said. &uot;They'll learn a lot about the fruits of the spirit and how God wants us to live our lives everyday.&uot;

Brooks credits her co-director Lynn Melton and Park Memorial's children's director Brandon Fricks along with about 40 volunteers for the fun atmosphere and the detailed props.

The group has been working on the county fair since January and Brooks said everything was in place and ready to go, &uot;God willing,&uot; she added.

VBS is from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and runs through Friday. A county fair on Saturday from 4-8 p.m. with cotton candy, a circus train, a greased pig chase, a moonwalk, a barber shop quartet and cloggers will wrap up the week. The children will also perform the songs they learn this week.

&uot;It's going to be a great time of fun and fellowship,&uot; Brooks said.