Gathering in Gratitude free community fall festival celebrated

Gratitude, music, and joy filled the air as Memorial United Methodist Church welcomed over 1,000 neighbors to its first-ever Gathering in Gratitude free community fall festival last Saturday. The aim of this event was to celebrate the season of thanks and the many helping hearts in our community. Held on their church campus, directly next to the Fernandina Beach Market Place, the festival drew more than 1,000 guests of all ages. Families enjoyed a free lunch while listening to live music. Children bounced in colorful inflatables, tried their hand at carnival games, and got creative with crafts and face painting.

Beyond the fun, the festival spotlighted local nonprofits making a difference in Nassau County. Twenty-three of Memorial’s mission partners, like Barnabas, First Coast Habitat for Humanity, and The Arc Nassau, hosted individual booths to tell their stories of how they serve our community. Each group also offered fun carnival games that helped kids learn more about their services. A highlight of the festival was the “Scarecrow Stroll.” Each mission partner created a whimsical scarecrow to represent their organization. Guests at the festival were encouraged to find each scarecrow as they engaged with the organizations. When they did, they received a kit to grow their own sunflowers at home as a prize.

“We were thrilled to provide an opportunity for 23 nonprofits to showcase the amazing work they do for our community and world,” said Associate Pastor Rachel Williams. “As a mission-focused church, we support these groups through fundings, prayers, and volunteers all year long. We know all the excellent work they do. This festival allows us to share that good work with our community.”

And it truly was a community event, with members from the FBHS Art Honors Society providing face painting and Keep Nassau Beautiful providing water through their mobile water truck. As with other community events hosted by Memorial, this was completely free to all who attended.

“We love being a part of this community, “ Rev. Williams said. “Inspired by God’s freely given grace, Memorial created this festival, a free gift to our neighbors, as a day of gratitude, joy, and connection.”

Memorial looks forward to making Gathering in Gratitude an annual tradition, alongside its long-running Free Community Easter Celebration, which they have hosted each spring for over 15 years alongside First Presbyterian Church.

Carrie McCannell-Scruggs

The Arc Nassau’s scarecrow invited kids in to play their carnival game.