By Morgan Mizell

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Members of Springfield Baptist Church are hosting a family night at 7 p.m. today at the church at 16 Springfield Road in Kingston.

The church has hosted the event for the past five years as a fun night for families in the area to enjoy. The evening will be fashioned after the show “Hee-Haw,” which aired in 1969 on CBS.

The church fellowship hall will be decorated like the set of the long-running comedy show. Skits will be performed and music will be provided by Brothers in Christ, a bluegrass Christian group from Franklin County. Food will be provided by members of the church.

Springfield Youth Minister Jody Stevens said the event is a way to offer something for everyone instead of the Valentine’s banquet they once hosted.

“We used to have a Valentine’s banquet every year,” Stevens said. “But we realized that not everyone had a sweetheart, so we wanted to offer something for everyone.”

The event is free and open to the public.

The church uses the evening as a form of outreach and a way to promote fellowship.

“Some people wouldn’t get to have a special night for Valentine’s Day,” Stevens said. “This is our gift to them.”

Stevens said she hopes people will see this as a Christian fellowship for all ages and come and relax.

“We want them to laugh and have a good time,” Stevens said. “We also want them to come and enjoy a good home-cooked country meal.”

Stevens thinks it will be a good night for the family.

“My prayer is for everyone to be unified through laughter,” Stevens said. “It will be a night to forget problems and focus on family and friends.”

Anyone wishing to get more information on the event can call Jody Stevens at 601-431-3162 or Kevin Campbell at 601-334-6562.