When folks attend the Spring Lake United Methodist Church Fall Festival and Yard Sale, 9 am to 3 pm Saturday, Oct. 29, they’ll enjoy live music from a nationally known bluegrass artist, games, a Chili Cookoff judged by local luminaries, and more. Yet they’ll also have the opportunity to give and help others.
The festival, to take place at 4191 Spring Lake Hwy. in Brooksville, will feature a live performance by bluegrass artist Mark “Brink” Brinkman, an award-winning singer/songwriter whose songs regularly appear on the Bluegrass Standard best-selling charts, and five-time nominee for Songwriter of the Year honors.
“As a songwriter, I’ve been blessed to have close to 500 of my songs recorded over the years, including 24 number one songs. I feel it’s important to give back to the community at events like this,” said Brinkman. “I enjoy singing my songs for people and seeing their reaction to them. It’s rewarding to see folks laugh and smile listening to my songs. I also enjoy singing the gospel songs I’ve written hopefully to inspire people. I look forward to seeing lots of friends and having a great time of music and fellowship.”
Pastor Frank Reynolds, Spring Lake United Methodist Church, is pleased to welcome Brinkman as a featured performer at the church’s festival. “Brink’s brand of bluegrass music is Christian in nature,” he said, “and teaches
family morals.”
Among other featured performers at the festival will be Jeremy Barnett, a singer and songwriter for 20 years who performs contemporary Christian Music.
“He is known as a music evangelist,” said Reynolds.
Also featured at the festival will be a food drive; a collection of canned and nonperishable foods, also items including peanut butter, jelly and bread. All foods will be donated to the church food pantry, which serves 50-60 families weekly.
“We host our food pantry each Tuesday,” said Reynolds. “And the need is growing.”
Also at this event, the Christian Hot Rod Club will be hosting a 50/50 drawing, with proceeds also going to support the church’s food ministry and upcoming community Thanksgiving dinner.
“Those we help at the food pantry will be on the list of our guests of honor for the Thanksgiving dinner,” said Reynolds. “Instead of sending the dinners home in bags, we invite them to come join us for dinner.”
And animals are included in the caring equation promoted by this event, as Hernando County Animal Services will be on hand to offer information about animal adoptions.
Another centerpiece of the Spring Lake United Methodist Church Fall Festival and Yard Sale is a Chili Cookoff Challenge, to be judged by community luminaries that include Sheriff Al Nienhuis and a number of area government officials.
Vendors will offer food and drinks; a Trick and Treating activity and games will be offered for kids. And The Sheriff’s Mounted Posse will be in attendance. “This event is all about coming out for a nice day,” said Reynolds, “and enjoying the day with your neighbors.”
