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From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., there were a variety of free
activities for anyone in the community to enjoy.
By 4 p.m., over 1100 people had registered for the event.
With the wide-open space by the dorms, Open Arms was able to set up
a dozen inflatables including some bouncy houses, obstacle courses,
carnival games and a water slide.
Because of the heat and humidity, the water slide
proved to be one of the most popular activities with a lengthy line
of kids waiting for their turn.
For children and adults who wanted to test their
strength, there was a ring the bell game.
Other activities included face painting and tricycle races around
the sidewalk.
Besides the main registration table, there was also a
registration table for Open Arm’s Vacation Bible School, which will
be held July 17-21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
A prayer tent provided space for anyone who wanted someone to pray
with them.
Volunteers at a table representing the church’s Celebrate Recovery
program offered information about this program designed to help
those struggling with addiction or other problems. Narcan kits were
available for people to take with them and have on hand in case they
encounter someone at risk for overdose.
Those staffing the grills were cooking hotdogs and
hamburgers. Volunteers were also serving pulled pork sandwiches,
funnel cake fries, popcorn, and snow cones. Big water containers
were available for people who needed to quench their thirst.
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Many guests sat under the large shade trees to get
some relief from the heat.
Two cute little dogs were enjoying the shady area with their owner
Cassie Schaub who said she had fun bringing the dogs to the event.
Under the big tent, others sat and visited while
listening to the music playing throughout the day. Rachelle Whiteman
shared a testimony and poetry followed by an interpretative dance.
At 3 p.m. and 4 p.m., live music was provided by
first Jonathan and Michaela Crawford and then Aaron Hinton and his
band.
The main event was at 5:15 p.m. with the church’s worship team
leading everyone in song before Open Arms Pastor Larry Crawford
shared a short message and offered an altar call.
Another part of the main event was the drawing for door prizes
donated by various local businesses. The top prize was $500 cash.
Pastor Crawford said he was thankful that the city
and county allowed the church to use Scully Park for Family Fun Day
for many years. However, Crawford said the event had grown so big,
they needed more space for it. He said it has been outstanding to
expand the event [by having it out on the campus.]
Something else Pastor Crawford was thankful for was
all the sponsors who sponsored the event and/or donated door prizes.
He felt blessed and excited to see everyone.
Volunteers were blessed to be able to serve the community too.
Angela Gaddy’s favorite thing about Family Fun Day is serving
others. Gaddy said we love people just like Jesus loved us at our
worst.
First time volunteer Allison Kerby was helping at the Celebrate
Recovery Table and loved the chance to reach out to the community.
Kerby said she has been involved with Celebrate Recovery for three
years and loves the safe environment it provides for sharing.
The 2023 Family Fun Day provided fun, food and fellowship for the
community and even the intense heat did not keep people from
enjoying this exciting annual event.
[Angela Reiners]
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