Gainesville First United Methodist Church invited the community to enjoy the fall festivities Sunday at First Fest.

The sun came out to warm the afternoon, providing fine autumn weather for the event, which is new this year.

The church parking lot was transformed into a fall festival buzzing with children doing arts and crafts, having their faces painted and enjoying hot dogs and cookies.

Debby Fox, pastor of Christian education, said the First Fest was organized as a way for the church to open their property in a different way than worship services.

We wanted to concentrate on people who werent in our church, Fox said. What were really trying to do is build relationships with our community.

Fox said the festival was non-denominational and provided a fun, family oriented activity at no cost.

You can come and not spend anything, Fox said. In that sense its our gift to the community.

Pumpkins of all varieties large, small, bumpy and even striped filled the lawn of the church for people to browse for their Halloween pumpkin.

Musical groups including the Living Waters Praise Team, Lanier Village Estates Barbershop Chorus & Sing Along and the church youth choir performed for guests.

At 4:30 p.m., the church kicked off its annual Walk to Bethlehem.

Fox said the 1-mile walk Sunday was the beginning of the event that takes place throughout the advent season leading up to Christmas.

The church accumulates miles walked by its members with the goal of meeting the nearly 7,000-mile distance from Gainesville to Bethlehem, Israel, by Christmas Eve.

Terry Walton, senior pastor of Gainesville First United Methodist Church, said he hoped the event would make people feel welcomed