Henderson County church raises money for youth programs at Tri-Fest

For decades, it’s been an opportunity for everyone to support organizations making a difference, and, for its second day this year, Tri-Fest is full of smiles, rides, and great food.

The members from Niagara United Methodist Church in eastern Henderson County are no exceptions to that rule. It’s been a Tri-Fest staple since the very beginning.

“My parents were actually mentors that started this. So I’m just kind of following in their footsteps at this point, and it’s been really cool. We have a lot of fun when we come down here. We work together as a family,” said Niagara UMC member Emily Plummer.

There are several of those helping hands raising money to send area children and teens to camp to not only grow a relationship with God but to let them know they’re loved and that they are never forgotten.

“We have a lot of kids that come to our church that maybe their parents don’t, but the kids come for Wednesdays — we have a potluck almost every Wednesday. This money helps to keep all that going. We feed kids and anybody who comes in — they can eat. They don’t have to pay for anything,” said church member Jay Cavanah.

Campuses are running between $350 and $400 for each child, and that does not include the annual Winter Blitz conference, which could cost between $3,000 and $5,000 for each child.

“It’s incredibly important. There have been times when Tri-Fest has supplemented many youth and in a way that we don’t think we could they could have experienced what they experienced,” Plummer said.

It’s all thanks to the thousands of Tri-Fest-goers lining up for the ever-popular porkburger, among other items, at Niagara UMC.

“It’s always been around, and it’s real good,” said Isaiah Powell.

“It’s my favorite thing down here,” adds Savanah Powell.

There’s still a chance for the Tri-State to give back to several of the organizations. Tri-Fest continues through Sunday.