EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 A community event in Horizon is bringing together food, vendors, live entertainment, games and a pumpkin patch, all while raising money to support local high school students.<\/p>\n
The Tropicana Homes Town Market Extravaganza and Pumpkin Patch is taking place at First Baptist Church of Horizon. The pumpkin patch will remain open throughout the month.<\/p>\n
Event coordinator Debra Armes-Ferrell says the event is about more than just having a good time.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe basically are raising money for the huddles that take place in the high schools,\u201d Armes-Ferrell said.<\/p>\n
Those huddles, which are regular small-group gathering of coaches or athletes from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes to study the Bible, pray, and grow in their faith, are sponsored by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, giving students an opportunity to meet during their lunch periods. <\/p>\n
\u201cAnd so during their lunch hour, we buy pizzas so that they’ll have something to eat because obviously they have to meet in a separate room,\u201d Armes-Ferrell said.<\/p>\n
Armes-Ferrell says the fundraising happens throughout the year to help keep the program going.<\/p>\n
During the extravaganza, visitors can browse vendors, listen to live music and enjoy food including pulled pork sandwiches, barbecue brisket sandwiches and walking Frito pies.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe’re going to have vendors, we’re going to have a nine-hole mini putt-putt golf,\u201d Armes-Ferrell said. \u201cWe’re going to have live music all day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Families will also have plenty of activities to choose from, including a jumping balloon for kids.<\/p>\n
The event is free to attend and runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere’s no entrance fee, and they can just come in, wander around, play games.\u201d Armes-Ferrell said.<\/p>\n
The pumpkin patch will also offer plenty of opportunities for families and school groups.<\/p>\n
Armes-Ferrell says organizers expect to have more than 3,000 pumpkins available.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe’re getting ready to unload 1,235 large pumpkins,\u201d she said. \u201cThere’s the princess pumpkins, just the regular big giant pumpkins, and that will be over 3,000 by the time we get those unloaded.\u201d<\/p>\n
There will also be special events later in the month.<\/p>\n
On October 24, organizers will host a dog costume contest. Armes-Ferrell says dogs will have the chance to show off their costumes and tricks, with ribbons awarded to participants.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey’ll actually receive ribbons. They’ll do tricks,\u201d she said. \u201cThere’ll be one grand national champion out of the whole deal.\u201d<\/p>\n
The festivities will continue on Halloween night with a community Trunk-or-Treat.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn Halloween night, we do a trunk-or-treat for all the neighborhood and the community,\u201d Armes-Ferrell said.<\/p>\n
Children can visit decorated vehicles around the church to receive candy, while organizers will also offer free hot cocoa.<\/p>\n
Armes-Ferrell says people interested in becoming vendors, participating in the dog costume contest or simply attending the events can contact First Baptist Church of Horizon with questions.<\/p>\n
Whether visitors come for the pumpkins, food, games or Halloween activities, organizers hope the event gives families a chance to enjoy the community while helping support students throughout the school year.<\/p>\n
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