By Morgan Mizell

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — Area churches are offering alternative activities to Halloween trick-or-treating for families to enjoy this month. Many of the activities are scheduled for different nights, allowing local children the opportunity to attend multiple events.

Here are a few of the church-sponsored events scheduled this fall.

Two churches, First Baptist Church Natchez and St. Mary Basilica, are offering activities as early as Wednesday, Oct. 25th. FBC Natchez will host its annual Fall Festival at 5:30 p.m. that day. The cost of admission is $2. They will have hot dogs and drinks as well as games and prizes.

St. Mary Basilica Youth will host their annual Youth Halloween Carnival in the church’s Family Life Center. The event will begin at 6 p.m. on Oct. 25.

At least three area churches will host events Saturday, Oct. 28. Jefferson Street United Methodist will begin its fall festival event at 6 p.m. Abundant Life Church will also host its fall festival at 6 p.m. as well. Brushy Creek Ranch in Gloster will partner with Outlaw Ministries to host its second annual fall festival at the ranch site. The event will include live music by the Muddy Rivers Band as well as a horse costume contest, pumpkin carving, concessions and a trailer-treating.

At 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 29, Crosspoint Church will host its fall festival and chili cook-off at the home of Del and Renae Loy. More information for this event can be obtained by calling the church, 601-807-5826.

At 5 p.m. on Oct. 29, Parkway Baptist Church will host its fall festival at the church.

Tuesday, Oct. 31, several churches will host events including, Forest Aid Baptist Church, Community Chapel Church and Highland Baptist Church. All three events begin at 6 p.m.

Forest Aid Baptist Church will host a Trunk-or-Treat at the church from 6 to 8 p.m. Community Chapel will host a fall festival from 6 to 8 p.m. Highland Baptist will also have a fall festival titled, “Foll-o-ween Jesus.” The event will begin at 6 p.m. There will be a costume contest, games, food, prizes and candy.

Natchez Church of God on McNeely Road will host a Trunk-or-Treat event on Wednesday, Nov. 1. The event will begin at 6 p.m.