Camp Luz Fall Fest returns Oct. 18 with pies, hayrides and auctions

Camp Luz's Fall Fest will take place Oct. 18 from 4-8 p.m., following the same format as past festivals — autumn weather, hayrides, fresh cider, a fall craft, dinner and a live auction of homemade pies.

What will be different is that in the silent auction, one of the baskets will hold two seats for the Ohio State University men's basketball game on Friday, Nov. 7 against Purdue Fort Wayne in the Jerome Schottenstein Center. The electronically transferred tickets will be included in a basket with other Ohio State swag, donated by Lehman's Hardware.

Dean Cole, a supporter of Camp Luz who made the tickets available for the Fall Fest, is a huge Ohio State fan and attends the football and basketball games.

“I would not trade these seats for any other ones," Cole said. "I consider them about the best seats in the arena. They are in Section 122, Row R. This is the only game we plan to miss.”

Pies will be auctioned off starting at 6 p.m.

“The pie auction is one of the best around," said Andrew Michaels, Camp Luz director. "You can’t buy these pies at the local store.”

Silent auction baskets including the Ohio State basket will have to be bid on in person but can be picked up at a later time.

While its main focus in the summer is providing Christian camps, Camp Luz operates all year. Groups can rent out the buildings or the pool, and disc golf can be played during daylight hours from Sept. 1 to May 31.

Currently, the Camp Luz Next Generation Initiative is working to line up prospective investors to help build a new ministry center, which will help support the camp through year-round rentals. At the beginning of September, 15% of the $6 million has been pledged. More information about Next Gen will be available, although that isn't the main focus of Fall Fest.

“Camp Luz is a nonprofit organization providing camp and retreat opportunities, team building, and recreational activities to our community," Michaels said. "We work hard to keep our programs and services affordable and provide financial assistance to families who otherwise would not be able to afford summer camp. Registration and rental fees only cover a portion of what it costs to operate this 70-year-old ministry. Fall Fest is our biggest annual fundraiser. We created Fall Fest to be a celebration of the ministry of Camp Luz in addition to raising some needed funds to support this ministry moving forward.”

Fall Fest activities this year will be from 4-5 p.m. and will include a cider press, fall craft, hayride, photo op and boating. Dinner will be from 5-6 p.m. and a presentation and auction from 6-7 p.m.

“Carrying out the mission of Camp Luz relies on the support of churches, businesses and individuals," said Lacey Holt, program director. "We love the opportunity to serve our local community through sharing the Gospel and building up young people in their faith. We provide a place for everyone to slow down, connect with others and a chance to connect with the Lord. Please consider attending our Fall Fest, not only to enjoy a great meal and have some fun, but to support a ministry that directly impacts our community.”

Fall Fest is free to attend and open to anyone wanting to see Camp Luz, located at 152 Kidron Road in Orrville.