The Parrish Fall Festival is back for its sixth year, and it might be the best free afternoon on the Suncoast this weekend. Head to Parrish United Methodist Church near U.S. 301 North and State Road 675 on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. Admission costs nothing, the activities cost nothing, and even the raffles are free. Last year, roughly 4,000 people came through, and organizers have been adding more each year as Parrish keeps growing.
The lineup covers just about every age. Kids can take on an inflatable maze and an obstacle course, decorate a pumpkin, get their face painted, and pose in a photo booth. There are games, hayrides, and telescopes for stargazing once the sun goes down. Food trucks will be on site selling dinner, so nobody has to cook.
The festival is a partnership with St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church, run largely by volunteers, and it doubles as a food drive. Bring nonperishable items like soup, macaroni and cheese, pasta, spaghetti sauce, or peanut butter to stock the church food pantry. Coordinator Ethel Pawley says the team learns a little more and perfects it a little more every year. The goal is simple: give families time together while connecting with the community.
Planning to go? What’s your go-to nonperishable donation, and what festival activity are you hitting first?
