By EASON FRANKLIN
The Lowndes Signal

Halloween is right around the corner and the towns of Hayneville and Mosses are putting the final touches on the logistical plans for their fall festivals.

Now in its seventh year, Hayneville’s fall festival is being spearheaded by Johnny Bandy of the North View Christian Church in Montgomery, said Hayneville Mayor Helenor Bell.

“Mr. Bandy started out wanting to do something for the young folks for Halloween,” said Bell. “He asked if we would help and we’ve been working together every year.”

This year the festival will be held at the Hayneville Plaza on Halloween starting at 3 p.m.

The fall festival annually draws a crowd of about 100-150 people and focuses around celebrating God, said Bandy.

“The Holy Spirit inspired me to start the festival,” Bandy said. “I wanted to change people’s mindset to focus more on God.”

Children, parents and guests can expect to partake in hay rides, bonfires, face painting, the bouncing room and plenty of games with prizes to be given away.

In previous years, the festival has seen more than a handful of people accept Christ into their life at the festival.

Bandy offers others the opportunity to ask others to pray for them if they are experiencing a difficult time in their life.

“It is really about drawing people to the Lord and giving people a chance to really know who Jesus is,” Bandy said. “We show the love and kindness they need to get hope for their life.”

The town of Mosses will hold its festival Oct. 30 at the Mosses Municipal Complex from 5-8 p.m. and will offer free food and drinks to people attending.

Now in its 14th year, the event will feature a costume contest for those in attendance and prizes will be awarded to the three best costumes, said Mayor of Mosses Walter Hill.

“We are anticipating another successful year for our fall festival with lots of goodies for all our young people, not just in our community, but from adjacent communities,” said Hill. “This will be an event where young people can come and be in a safe environment.”

Hill said the Fall Festival is due in part by the Mosses town council, Mayor and other members of the community who have offered contributions.

“We look to go forward with the festival each and every year and continue to grow it,” Hill said.