HALLOWEEN FUN — From left, Leah Morstad, Amichai Gassmann and Levi Stitt plan to be at Vibrant Life Assembly of God Church Halloween night. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
This upcoming Halloween night, Ellendale’s Vibrant Life Assembly of God cordially invites one and all to their sixth annual Hallelujah fest.
Event organizers Alicia Butler and Patrick Stitt (church pastor) can’t help but rub their hands together in anticipation for this eclectic evening. Yes, these two are just that excited.
“Hallelujah Fest is a family thing,” Butler said. “Last year, we organized 45 games. This year however, we are planning for less, as the gym will house a bouncy house.”
The Refuge gym will also features games like mini golf, hula hoop toss, sucker toss and a cupcake walk.
“Games will be held from 5:30-7:30, and then, at 7:40 the costume contest begins,” Butler said.Both Butler and Stitt would like participants to stir the pot with this much-anticipated runway affair. The more inventive the costume is, the better the night will be.
“Last year, we had close to 50 people involved, 10 of which were adults,” Butler said. “The adults and kids will be judged in two separate divisions.”
Attendees are also encouraged to come bearing the word of God, on their costume of course. Again, the more creativity shown, the more laughter will ensue inside the Refuge walls.
“I remember someone who dressed up to the ‘your word is a lamp unto my feet’ verse,” Stitt said. “They put a lampshade on their head and had flashlights duck taped to their feet.”
Butler added, “In past years, we have had bugs and animals and doctors. Last year, we even had a forklift made out of a cardboard box.”
This year, the Hallelujah Fest has another contest up their sleeve. It’s going to be really cool too.
“Please come with your pumpkins pre-carved or painted,” Butler said. “We will announce the pumpkin contest winners at the end of the night, right at the close of the costume contest.”
At that time, both the adult and children division winners of each contest will be announced.
“We want to provide something really cool for the kids on Halloween,” Stitt said. “There’s a safety aspect to think about too. I think it’s good for kids to be in a safe environment, as opposed to wandering the streets.”
Stitt also wants to take this Halloween night to just have fun and praise God throughout. Just to bring Him glory, really.
“I hope this will bring our community closer together and teach kids something about Him and His will for their lives,” Stitt said.
He too hopes that this evening will function as a warm and friendly time for people from all walks of life to get acquainted with Vibrant Life church.
“We aren’t fuddy duddys,” Stitt said. “We have fun together and we welcome people. I’m also trying to get a pony for rides outside too!”
So, if Stitt and Butler have peaked your interest in any capacity, bring your pumpkins, costumes and your sweet tooth. They would be very happy to have you.
“With every game that is played, you get a piece of candy whether you win or lose,” Butler said. “We are even giving away little bottles of toothpaste this year. If you want to bring a canned good item for the food shelf that would be awesome too.”