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There's something for everyone at this family event of the year! 1-5pmRAIN OR SHINE!Why Not an American Ark3224 Medlin RoadMonroe, NC 28112 *PLEASE NOTE: While we love pets, we kindly request that you leave them safely at home during the Fall Festival. There are plenty of animals to enjoy at Why Not an American Ark!
Bring your lawn chair and enjoy a fast-paced, high-energy show full of wild and crazy visual stunts. Mark will amaze you with juggling, fire eating, trick unicycling, balance and hilarious audience participation. This is a festival highlight you don’t want to miss - click the video to see a sample of his talent!
Need something done at home, a car repair, financial advice, a haircut, facial, or something else? Come bid for services from businesses owned by Central members. Win the bid, and not only do you get the service, but your purchase will support a child going to camp, one of Central’s missionaries, or a local outreach. Stop by the registration table at the covered arena to sign up and pick up a paddle!
Come see some Central members compete by cooking up the tastiest fall favorite! They will be selecting from the provided ingredients, and hopefully tickle the palates of our three illustrious judges to win the top prize.
Central to Go groups are having a fun, friendly competition. Our small groups will compete in one - minute games. In a few short minutes, one entire Central to Go group will win a catered meal for one of their weekly meetings. Come cheer on your favorite team members!
Before you leave to come to the Fall Festival, grab a non-perishable food item or two to bring with you. These food collection provide items for Central families going through a hard time. Drop your items off at the entrance to the festival.
Come cast your vote for your favorite classic car to win the People’s Choice Award trophy.
Anglers young and old will compete in this catch-and-release tournament to win great gift cards. Head to the large pond to see what they pull up! (If you didn't pre-register for this event, you can still sign up on the date of the Festival.)
We have a lot of talent in our congregation. Be sure to visit the booths of amazing hand-made items for sale, like jewelry, paintings, wood decor and much more - you might check a few things off your your Christmas shopping list!
Kids in 1st-5th grades, pick up a wrist band as you enter the festival and get three “X’s” by participating in three activities to win candy and other prizes. Preschoolers can play "pick a duck" to win a prize as they leave the festival, as well as pick a pumpkin to take home!
The Obstacle is Back! Middle and High School students, take on the challenge! Teams will compete on a giant obstacle course (revised from the last event) to see who can conquer. If you don’t want to compete, come and cheer the participants on - bring a friend and just hang out!
Whether you are walking the property checking out the camels and zebras or talking to a parrot and petting a pig, your family will understand why the location is called an ark.
*PLEASE NOTE: While we love pets, we kindly request that you leave them safely at home during the Fall Festival. There are plenty of animals to enjoy at Why Not an American Ark!
There will be mechanical swings, mechanical bull ride, bungee trampolines, rock climbing wall, a bounce house, carnival games and more. Kids can also ride a pony or hop on a hayride to see the whole farm.
If you didn't pre-order one of the meals below, there will be limited availability to purchase on Festival day. Keep scrolling to view additional food options to purchase on the day of the festival.
BBQ, sauce, roll, slaw and chips$10
Fried Chicken, Mac & Cheese, Green Beans, Roll$10
Philly Steak Sandwich & Fries $12
Extra Large 16" whole pizza$24
Two hot dogs, chips and drink$5
You can purchase these items during the Festival. Prices range from $2-$10.Sandra Lees Country Kitchen: Hamburgers and friesCream Ice Concepts: Dippin’ Dots, fried pickles, grilled cheese, tater tots, donut holes, ice cream Bake Mohr Sweets: Cupcakes, cake pops, pretzel rods Burney’s Sweets & More: Crescent rolls, brownies, blondies What’s Water Ice: Frozen flavored treatsMama K’s Kettle CornWorld’s Greatest Funnel Cake: Funnel cake, s’mores, cotton candy Kandi-Liscious Apples & Treats: Candy apples, pork rinds James Byrd Catering: Lemon pound cake, banana pudding (James is a member of Central, and once you’ve had his banana pudding, you’ll never be able to eat it anywhere else again!)Even Layer Cakes: Cake cups, cinnamon rolls, bread pudding, gluten free options
1:00 pm Festival opens2:00 pm Entertainer Mark Lippard on the Arena Stage Pony Rides2:30 pm Fishing Tournament at the large pond Hay Rides2:45 pm Service Auction on the Arena Stage3:00 pm Central Cook-Off on the Arena Stage3:15 pm Central to Go "Minute to Win It" on the Arena Stage4:00 pm Central Cook-Off Finals on the Arena Stage5:00 pm Festival Closes