The Tree of Life Church Assembly of God in Windham will be hosting its Fifth annual Winter Carnival, welcoming local families for indoor games and fun from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21.
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| The Tree of Life Church Assembly of God at 1051 Roosevelt Trail in Windham will host a free Winter Carnival for families with children under the age of 12 with fun indoor games scheduled from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21. COURTESY PHOTO |
The games will include basketball free throws, bowling, hockey, soccer and baseball games, mini golf, cornhole, a soft ax throw, a pond where children can cast lines for fish, and memory games. There will also be “Price Is Right” style games, like higher or lower cards and a version of Plinko, explained Joel McPherson, the church’s Lead Pastor.
“One thing we ask is that at least one parent is with the kids during the event to walk through it with them,” he said.
Other activities will include a bounce house and cotton candy. There will not be food or drinks available for participants during the event.
But there will also be many prizes available, including Beanie Baby-style stuffed animals and smaller toys. Easier games have been planned so smaller children can experience what it’s like to participate at something that is fun.
“We have three or four tables just filled with stuff” for the kids, McPherson said. “The one thing I love about this is that parents don’t need to bring any money. We’re not going to ask for any money at all.”
McPherson said that the event was inspired by trips to amusement parks and fairs as a child, where his parents would be unable to afford the games that commonly require payment beyond the fee paid to enter.
“I wanted to do something where the kids could go and play everything, win prizes, and it not cost anything,” he said. “That’s why we do what we do.”
There is also a personal component to the event, as McPherson uses it as a chance to spend time with his own family, which includes five children and five grandchildren.
“I’m a dad and a granddad who likes to do fun things with their kids,” he said.
Over the past winter carnivals, the church has welcomed more than 100 participants, but McPherson says he is always hoping for more families to join.
“We’re set up to where we can have more than that,” he said. “This event is for everybody.”
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, McPherson has been a resident of Maine for more than 30 years. His family is also involved with leading the church, as his son, Jonah, serves as Youth Pastor, and his wife, Melanie, serves as Worship Pastor.
More information about the Winter Carnival can be found on the church’s website, at https://www.tlc-ag.org/wintercarnival26 <
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