Fair Park in downtown Tupelo will be filled with food, shopping, entertainment and plenty for children to do on Saturday, Sept. 12, but behind all the fun of the Shepherd’s Center Fall Festival is a mission that reaches far beyond the festival grounds.
The annual event, set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., raises money for the Shepherd’s Center and its work providing free transportation to seniors who need a ride to essential medical appointments.
This year, organizer Jean Watson said families can expect even more activities geared toward children — all at no cost.
“We have so many kids’ activities that will be free to them,” Watson said.
Children can try their hand at rock painting, face painting and a variety of crafts. A balloon artist will be creating animals, and the Mooreville Character Crew will be available for photos. Buff City Soap is also joining the festival this year with free bath bomb painting for kids.
For adults, there will be plenty of shopping. Vendors will offer pottery, jewelry, crocheted items, baked goods, door hangers, women’s Western clothing, printed T-shirts and more. Among this year’s more unusual offerings will be handmade knives and wired bonsai trees, along with forging demonstrations.
And no Mississippi festival would be complete without something good to eat.
Willis Mobile will serve a variety of lunch options, Chicken Salad Chick will have sandwiches available, and Ice Cold Kreamery will bring its homemade ice cream.
While the festival makes for an easy Saturday outing, every purchase and dollar raised helps the Shepherd’s Center continue a service that can make an enormous difference in the life of a local senior.
The organization connects seniors with volunteer drivers who use their own vehicles and gas to take clients to medical appointments at no charge. For some seniors, family members do not live nearby. For others, relatives simply cannot take time away from work for frequent appointments.
“We could not offer this service without our volunteers,” Watson said. “So many of our clients have no family to take them to their appointments. They are so grateful. It is a blessing for them and each driver.”
Money raised through the Fall Festival helps cover the Shepherd’s Center’s everyday operating expenses, including its phone, software, insurance and other costs necessary to keep the transportation program running.
The organization is also looking for more people willing to get involved — and volunteering as a driver does not require a large time commitment.
Drivers simply choose rides that fit their schedules. There is no required number of trips each week or month, and a typical ride may take only an hour or two. The Shepherd’s Center is also seeking members for its Board of Directors and welcomes donations throughout the year.
The Fall Festival gives the community a chance to support that work while enjoying a day together.
Come for the ice cream, handmade goods and family fun, and know that by doing so, you are helping make sure a senior in your community can get where they need to go.
*Photos are courtesy of Shepherd’s Center
