KINGSTON TWP. — Chloe Grace Southworth enjoyed a serving of strawberry ice cream on Sunday at Back Mountain Harvest Assembly’s Summer Fest because it was sweet, delicious and, most importantly, pink.
“Pink is her favorite color,” Nancy Kinney said of her 3-year-old granddaughter as she held the little girl on her lap, surrounded by over a dozen family members.
Bruce Kinney, of Wyoming, patriarch of the group, said the family had started coming to the church 11 years ago for the same reason they had come to the event.
“We enjoy the teaching, the food and the fellowship,” he said. “My wife and I, five children, three grandchildren and two sons-in-law. We all come.”
The family sat together at a table near the food area, seemingly a center point for the activities the festival had to offer.
“We loved the food,” said son-in-law Charles Makarewicz, “especially the homemade kielbasa and draft birch beer.”
Younger members of the family said they also enjoyed the rides, which included a bounce house and swings.
Pastor Ray Petts deemed the three-day event, the church’s first, as a success, estimating turnout at about 800.
“When we planned the festival, we didn’t realize the Back Mountain Memorial Library auction was also taking place this weekend,” he said. “But, in spite of that, we’re pleased with the turnout.”
The church is working on an expansion project which will include an amphitheater, slated to be a centerpiece of next year’s event.
“It will accommodate about 12,000 to 15,00 people,” said Petts. “The festival and other events throughout the year are going to just get better and better.”
Petts credited about 100 volunteers with making the event possible.
“We, as a church, are very community-minded,” he said. “We are a vibrant congregation very willing to give back.”
Petts said his children, Eden, 2, Cali, 11, and Preston, 15, loved spending time at the festival over the weekend.
“Cali and Preston really loved the spider ride,” he said. “Eden stayed close to my wife, Patty, but the cars were her favorite.”
Petts said the event reflected the church’s commitment to family, like its sponsorship of sports camp and youth ministry.
“We had people of all ages here this weekend,” he said. “That’s why we were careful to provide something for everyone.”
Kristen MacDonald, a vendor at the event, said she enjoyed a friendly atmosphere under a huge tent that kept customers comfortably out of the sun.
“People have been really nice,” she said. “In addition to selling essential oils, we have also been able to provide a bit of information about their use to people who walk by.”
Patty Kachmar, of Kingston, made her way into the event on its last day, just “to see what it’s all about.”
“I’m looking forward to the crafts and maybe I’ll get something to eat,” she said. “Our church is really excellent in putting together quality events.”
