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The Sunday before Halloween has become Blount Christian Church's time to reach out to the community with a great fall celebration, and this year is no exception.

The Fall Fest — featuring an opportunity to trick-or-treat a week early, inflatables for jumping about, cake walks, face painting, horse and buggy rides, prizes and free food — will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the church, located at 323 Partnership Parkway, off Highway 321 past William Blount Drive. This will be the seventh year for the event.

Last year, there were 600 in attendance, said Jana Turner, director of children's ministry at Blount Christian. She said the church was thrilled with the participation and tries to make things bigger and better every year. She has been serving at Blount Christian for three years.

New this time will be the horse and buggy rides, Turner said. A popular part of the festival will return and features PawPaw's blue train. When it's time for everyone to refuel, there will be plenty of free cotton candy, popcorn, a hot dog supper and drinks.

It takes about 50 volunteers to make this event happen, Turner said. She gets old and young alike involved. Pastor at Blount Christian Church is Barry Clanton.

Turner said this isn't a fall festival meant solely for BCC's church members. They want to meet folks from the community and have a great time of fellowship. Hopefully the weather will cooperate for a great day outdoors, Turner said.

“We've had great weather the past two years,” Turner said. “I haven't looked lately.”