Reporter file photo
Wild, Wild Westfield’s Fall Fest and Premier Chili Cook-Off returns at the end of this month.
This free event will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30 and is for all people and families who want to enjoy a fun and relaxing afternoon of games, food, and music.
Three bands will provide live musical entertainment, along with face painting, inflatables, pony rides, food, kids games, petting zoo, silent auction, bounce houses. And of course, what would Wild, Wild Westfield be without Manny the Mechanical Bull?
Reporter file photo
The public is encouraged to enter the Premier Chili Cook-Off. Bring a crock pot of chili by 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 8 to CrossRoads Church at Westfield, 19201 Grassy Branch Road to enter. Local judges will determine the winners. Cash prizes will be given: $100 for first, $50 for second, and $25 for third. Click here to register your chili entry.
This big event is part of CrossRoads’ four-part strategic plan to meet, enjoy, know, and serve our local neighbors.
“We provide three big events per year,” Lead Pastor Eric Lohe said, “our fun Fall Festival and Premier Chili Cook-Off and two family-friendly comedy events. The eighth annual free Pizza and Punchlines will take place on Feb. 17, 2024, at the Westfield High School auditorium – 6 p.m. for pizza, 7 p.m. for comedy. We are bringing in three nationally known comedians for a night of fun and pizza. Our second comedy event is our outstanding free Summer Comedy Showcase at 7 p.m. on May 31, 2024, featuring eight comedians from around the country at Westfield’s IMMI Conference Center.”
Lohe said there are other “For Our Neighbor” strategies of CrossRoads Church at Westfield.
“We adopted Washington Woods Elementary School,” Lohe said. “Over the last five years, CrossRoads has provided school supplies, athletic shoes for any of the kids who need them, and assistance for food-insecure students. We have been helping 15 to 20 families during school breaks who do not have enough food.”
CrossRoads works to support community members’ other needs as well.
“We have been working on needs that are not being addressed in the community,” Lohe said. “On the first Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. at CrossRoads, we provide free pet food to help so some of the resources people are using for their pets can used for their families’ needs. We are the distribution point of Kids’ Coats in Westfield on Oct. 28. We also provide free Zumba at CrossRoads Church each Tuesday at 7 p.m. for folks to get exercise. We also sponsor a Celebrate Recovery program every Thursday night for anyone who is struggling with a hurt, a habit, or a hangup.”
Additionally, in June 2023, CrossRoads hosted 200 high schoolers from across the country who provided free home repairs for 23 local Hamilton County senior adults and veterans. They provided mobile home skirting, decks, ramps, and interior and exterior painting.
“Come serve our neighbors with us,” Lohe said. “It is the greatest thing we can do to bring joy and unity to our local community!”
CrossRoads Church at Westfield is located at 19201 Grassy Branch Road. Find out more online at ForOurNeighbor.Life or email ForOurNeighborInfo@gmail.com.