By Bonnie Mentel

The fall season is here! Are you looking for something fun and safe to do with your kids? Many churches and organizations are hosting special events this month. Here are some we have compiled for you! If we missed any, email the information to bonnie@ospreyobserver.com.

Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church: Trunk or Treat and more

Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church will be holding its Trunk or Treat event from 6:30-8 p.m. on Halloween. On Saturday, November 14, they will have a church-wide garage and bake sale from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Hope Cumberland Presbyterian Church is located at 826 S. Miller Rd. in Valrico.

C.A.R.E. Boo Bash Fundraiser
Critter Adoption and Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) invites you to this year’s Boo Bash. On Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., join C.A.R.E. for a day of Halloween inspired activities to raise funds and awareness for our furry friends. There will be a scavenger hunt, dog costume contest, pet portraits, raffles, various other games, and a food and bake sale. Sponsored by Doogie Entertainment, this will be a fun day for all ages, as well as all breeds. This event benefits C.A.R.E., a non-profit, no-kill shelter in the South Shore area, totally funded by the generous donations of our supporters. Boo Bash will be located at the shelter, 1528 27th Street, S.E., in Ruskin.

South Shore United Methodist Church: Fall Festival/Trunk or Treat
Bring the family to Trick-or-Treat in a parking lot full of car trunks jam-packed with candy. Play in bounce houses, try your hand at carnival games, and have your face painted. There will be a hot dog bar, snow-cones, cotton candy and popcorn to enjoy. This year there is a new Chili Cook-Off. To submit your best homemade chili into the competition, contact Bruce Leffler at info@Exclusive ArtistBooking.com for information. The Fall Festival will take place on Sunday, October 25th from 4-7 p.m. at 11525 Big Bend Rd. in Riverview. Visit www.south shoreumc.com.

Hawthorne Village: Fall Festival
The Fall Festival is open to all and will take place Friday, October 23 from 6-8 p.m. The event includes a pumpkin carving contest, scavenger hunt, bounce house, games, pumpkin patch photos and face painting. It is at 851 W. Lumsden Rd. in Brandon. Call 661-8998.
Lighthouse Revival Center: Fall Festival
Come dressed as your favorite Bible character. There will be games, prizes, candy, fun on Tuesday, October 27 at 6 p.m. at 7211 South 78th St. in Riverview.

Bell Shoals Baptist Church: Trunk or Treat
Looking for a safe, fun, family-friendly event to attend on Saturday, October 31?  You are invited to Trunk or Treat. The event will be held at 2102 Bell Shoals Rd. in Brandon from 5-7 p.m. This event will include free food, games for children of all ages, bouncy houses, classic cars, motorcycles and of course, lots and lots of candy. Admission is free but families are encouraged to bring a box of stuffing or a box of Jell-O pudding for Brandon Gift of Hope. Visit www.bellshoals.com.

First Baptist Church of Brandon: Noah’s Arkade Fall Festival
First Baptist Church of Brandon will hold its annual Fall Festival, Noah’s Arkade, on Saturday, October 31 from 2-5 p.m.  Admission is free and open to the community. Guests are asked to bring one bag of soft, wrapped candy per child. Attendees will find games, food, candy, music and more. Hamburgers, hot dogs, sodas and other items will be available for a nominal charge. No scary makeup or costumes allowed. First Baptist Church of Brandon is located at 216 N. Parsons Ave., just one block north of Brandon Blvd. Call 689-1204.

Journey Church: Trunk or Treat
On Friday, October 31 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., the community is invited to join Journey Church of Brandon located at 1310 John Moore Rd. in Brandon. Enjoy free games, food, snow cones, a bounce house and face painting. Also back by popular demand is the annual donut eating contest. Call 597-6426.

River of Life Christian Center: Light Up The Night Festival
The festival will be held on Saturday, October 31 from 5-8 p.m. There will be games, inflatables, food trucks and snow cones. The event and activities are free; food is available for purchase. Costumes are welcome, but guests are asked to leave the monsters and zombies at home. It is located at 6605 Krycul Ave. in Riverview. Call 677-4453.

Annual Fall Festival At Cimino Elementary
Cimino Elementary School will hold its annual Fall Festival on Friday, October 30 from 4-7 p.m. on the school grounds. There will be games, bounce houses, food and entertainment and more. Wrist bands and tickets can be purchased with cash at the ticket both. Cimino is located at 4329 Culbreath Rd. in Valrico.

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