Faith and Family Fun Day attracts crowds even within the warmth

By Tina L. Scott
Editor

Faith and Family Fun Day at Normal Park was held Saturday, July 11, 2026, and though the temps have been intense, it didn’t cease households from popping out for 5 hours of meals, enjoyable, fellowship, and music. The occasion, organized by The Humble and The Gathering Table Church, ran from 10 a.m. to three p.m. and featured a petting zoo from Grampa’s Farm, face portray by Corrie’s Face Painting, balloon animals, sidewalk chalk, a coloring contest with prizes, and a take-home craft challenge offered by Merrill Ace Hardware whereas provides lasted.
The Grand Stand served delicate serve and ice cream treats, the Caffeine Cruiser provided espresso and specialty drinks, and The Daily Bread introduced sourdough and different baked items. The Humble’s sales space featured handmade sweet and Christian items.
Food was served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with burgers, sizzling canine, chips, and contemporary watermelon accessible. Live music got here from Bonfire, a worship group representing three space church buildings, and The Gathering Table’s worship workforce.
Johanna Doyle of The Humble mentioned the thought for the occasion grew out of conversations with associates from her church about discovering methods to assist native households.
“Some friends from church and I often talk about doing something to bless the families in the community,” Doyle mentioned. “One day I was in my store just praying and asking how we could be a blessing, and ideas started coming to me.”

While The Humble helped set up the occasion, Doyle mentioned The Gathering Table was a key associate.
“The Gathering Table church was a big help with providing all the volunteers and [covering the] cost for food,” Doyle mentioned.
While The Gathering Table was the church formally represented on the occasion, Bonfire additionally carried out, in response to Doyle, and different church buildings have been unofficially represented within the varied vendor cubicles and volunteers.
Doyle mentioned she dealt with a lot of the early planning herself, along with her husband, Jim, taking the lead on music and sound as preparations moved ahead. Members of their church household later stepped in to assist coordinate volunteers.
The aim, Doyle mentioned, was to create a faith-based expertise welcoming to individuals of all ages — an opportunity for the neighborhood to attach, snigger, and spend time collectively outdoor.

“Our prayer was that every person who encountered a volunteer got to see Jesus, as well,” Doyle mentioned. “We wanted to get out into the community and let His light shine through us.”
Doyle mentioned she watched the occasion’s spirit play out in small moments, together with from her personal sales space.
“From my booth, I got to watch adults playing Granny Pants with their kids,” Doyle mentioned. “It made my heart smile so big.”
Organizers take into account the occasion successful and plan to make it an annual summer time custom, with a doable fall occasion additionally within the works, Doyle mentioned. Details on future occasions are nonetheless being finalized, however organizers mentioned they intend to maintain the identical give attention to religion and household.
“It’s about Jesus and people. It always will be,” Doyle mentioned. “We love the Lord with all our hearts, and then we love our neighbor as ourselves. We are so thankful that our city allows us to host such an event, and Lord willing, there will be more.”