GLOCESTER – “Heavenly” cupcakes, natural potions, and free family photos were among the products and services offered at the small town-style annual Fall Festival at Glad Tidings Community Church in Chepachet on this past Sunday. The Fall Festival brought in people from a variety of areas and offered a variety of things for guests to purchase and do.
Some attendees turned back the hands of time and took a Liberty Farms horse and carriage ride; adults watched their children create over-sized soapy bubbles, or took them to touch a giant truck. Plenty of people were munching on their favorite snacks at food trucks and under vendor canopies.
“I love that they have different options for everybody — shopping for me, things for my daughters to do, and food trucks,” said Jennifer Burgio of Cranston, who stopped with daughters Adriana, 14, Avrie,13, and Addison, 7, at Heavenly Delight Cupcakes, the whimsical-looking vendor space of cupcake master Stephanie Chenes, who is also an associate pastor of Glad Tidings.
Glad Tidings’ leader Pastor David Schlaupitz explained that the Fall Festival “fits in the church’s vision to build locally and give globally. Building locally we get to know the community –and they to know us.”
This is the tenth year of the event, and “we have grown very much, and changed and grown into great family fun,” said Amy-Beth Vasconcelos the organizer and also the children and middle school youth for Glad Tidings.
Praising the volunteers, and smiling, she also acknowledged that the pie contest judges “donate their hard work, time, and effort to provide this service.”
The Fall Festival is “a great way to reach the community,” said Associate Pastor Jared Chenes.
The lively event is “lovely,” said small business owner Rebecca Fiore of Warwick, adding that the family-oriented festival is a “great place for community.” Fiore said the people who run the festival are “very nice and friendly,” while standing in front of an array of intriguing Bel Fiore Health & Beauty natural products.
Working beside Fiore was Justin Baptista, and the duo agreed the festival was very well organized.
The sunny day was a boon to Cindy Woods of Burrillville manning her small business space.
“I was ready, prepared for the weather. I’ve got layers in the car,” she said sounding like a wise New Englander who knows the weather can change from mild to severe in an instant. Cindy’s Crafty Creations has participated in the Fall Festival “for a few years,” and “it’s growing,” Woods noted as she worked at her colorful display.
Nearby at Crash My Party! Deborah Rondeau and her picture-pretty dog Evie were checking out the picturesque goodies.
“I love when they do this,” Rondeau of Scituate said of the church. Fall Festival is good for the church and the community, she stated, adding that the “church is very warm and welcoming.” The annual autumn season event “always has nice yummy treats for people –and dogs,” Rondeau said, cuddling her own.
“It’s great they added a lot more than last year, and there’s a good turn out,” Crash My Party! business owner Melissa Papineau from Woonsocket said of the festival.
“I love these types of events that get the community together and are a fun experience and get people outdoors,” said Papineau’s daughter Kiarra Lamar, also of Woonsocket.
Whether they were checking out the Rhode Island State Police’s giant Marine Unit bus, looking at photos photography at Haley Bourne Photography, or dining at the Oatmeal Cafe food truck, this year’s festival brought in people from inside and outside of Glocester and gave them a good dose of community fun.
