Family fun fest at church

Sparta — Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church is holding a Family Fun Festival on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature a cake decorating contest and cake walk, a chili cook-off and pumpkin decorating. Other activities include children’s crafts, face painting, pony rides, a Moon Bounce and petting zoo. There will also be a performance by the Paul Paoli Band, whose music combines lyrics grounded in Christian principles with contemporary orchestration. “Chez Shepherd,” the festival’s food attraction, will offer barbecue fare, including jalapeno hot dogs, as well as homemade soups and desserts. And “Rudy B’s Fabulous Funnel Cakes,” will be back. The festival will take place, rain or shine. The church is located at 246 Woodport Road (Route 181) in Sparta. For information call 973-729-7010.