A series of community events are set to take place across central Minnesota this October, as local churches host fall festivals and gatherings aimed at fostering fellowship and supporting local initiatives.
Hope Presbyterian Church in Spicer will kick off the festivities with a fall harvest festival on October 11, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Attendees can enjoy morning coffee and rolls, as well as a lunch featuring soup, chili, and sandwiches. The event will also include a variety of garden produce, plants, used books, puzzles, games, crafts, and baked goods for sale.
In Willmar, the Willmar United Methodist Church will hold its annual fall bazaar on the same day, October 11, from 9 a.m. to noon. Guests can explore handmade gifts and homemade food specialties while enjoying morning coffee and rolls. The bazaar encourages attendees to enter through the front door.
A soup and sandwich supper will be hosted by Crow River Lutheran Church south of Belgrade on October 11, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.. Menu items include taco soup, cream of potato and ham soup, vegetable beef soup, sloppy Joes, hot turkey sandwiches, and a selection of pies and beverages, all available for a freewill donation. Take-out options will be provided, and guests can visit the church’s garden, bakery, and craft store. An auction will begin at 7 p.m. that evening.
On October 12, Tripolis Lutheran Church in rural Kandiyohi will invite all to a worship service that focuses on the theme “Jesus Christ is the Light of the World.” The service will commence at 7 p.m. and will feature sung, spoken, and silent prayers. Following the 30-minute prayer service, a time of fellowship will allow attendees to connect. This service is a collaborative effort among six local churches, including Bethel Lutheran, First Presbyterian, and Eagle Lake Lutheran in Willmar, alongside Tripolis Lutheran, Ebenezer Lutheran in Kandiyohi, and Hope Presbyterian in Spicer, aimed at promoting unity and healing within the community.
Looking ahead, the Zion Irving Lutheran Church on County Road 103 in rural Hawick will host a harvest sale on October 18, beginning with a scalloped potatoes and ham meal available for a freewill donation, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.. The evening will conclude with an auction starting at 7 p.m. featuring crafts, produce, and baked goods.
Finally, the Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church in Benson will celebrate its 70th annual Norwegian smorgasbord on October 22, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The menu will include traditional dishes such as roast pork, mashed potatoes and gravy, meatballs, and various desserts. Tickets are priced at $20 for adults, $10 for children aged 7 to 12, and are free for children under 6.
These events not only provide opportunities for community engagement and support but also celebrate local traditions and fellowship. Each gathering is a reminder of the importance of community connections in the heart of Minnesota.
