Hundreds gathered Saturday at Crossroads Community Church in Athens to enjoy free face painting, hayrides, pony rides, bouncy houses and food such as popcorn and hot dogs at its annual Fall Festival.

“We used to do something called trunk or treat for years around Halloween but we changed it a couple years ago and started doing (the) Fall Festival,” said Chris Bailey, the church’s senior pastor.

More than 50 volunteers helped pull off the festival, he said.

“We show that we are an open door to the community and that we love you when we come in,” said Kyle Tanner, a church member who grilled hot dogs for the crowd.

Karenia Murry is a senior majoring in journalism; she produced this story as part of Prof. Lori Johnston’s Religion Reporting course.