Saturday was a very busy day at Moody Oktoberfest for the annual community festival.  Vendor traffic began around 6 a.m., starting an incredible day with over 100 vendors setting up their tents, tables and products.  Visitors began arriving at 10 a.m. and the parking lots were full all day long despite the threat of Hurricane Nate blowing in.  It was an overcast day, which made it very comfortable as overflow crowds spent the day enjoying the entertainers on both stages as well as the many activities. Vendors seemed very happy with the activity that they received at their booths.  Joanie Mardis with Seasons of Adventure Travel communicated that this was the busiest day they had ever experienced at Oktoberfest or any other festival that they had worked previously so she was very happy with the potential clients that she met at their booth.  Chick-fil-A Mascot Challenge was a crowd pleaser.  Brandon Elder, Taylor Hanson, Crossing Grass, Traylor 8 and the Moody MerryMakers were among the performers.   

Also, in conjunction with the festival, the C & C Carpenetti’s Car Show was the biggest show ever with over 300 beautiful cars and plenty of items that were auctioned.  The car show was so huge that you could not see from one end of it to the other.  More than $21,000 was raised for the Moody Miracle League, which will go a long way in making miracles happen for these special players.  Chris and Christy McCombs would like to thank everyone who brought their cars out and for all of their sponsors who make this charity car show possible. 

Leeds River Campus and Eden Westside Baptist Church will continue their 7-week teaching series on Painkillers this Sunday morning at 11 a.m.  This week’s teaching segment will explore Intoxication as a way that some people cope with pain.  You will not want to miss this important topic and please invite your family and friends.  For more information and access to a daily video devotion on this topic, please visit www.EdenWestside.org/painkillers.  Eden Westside is a place to heal, help and call home. 

 The Moody Area Chamber of Commerce will host their monthly chamber luncheon today, Oct. 12 at Moody City Hall.  This month’s guest speaker will be Jeff Parrish with the St. Clair County High School Fire Academy.   

The Doris Stanley Memorial Library will host author, Glenn Willis, today, Oct. 12.  Mr. Willis wrote “The Forgotten Alabama” and will have a special presentation at the Moody Civic Center beginning at 1 p.m.  For more information, please contact the library staff at 205-640-2517. 

The American Legion Post 107 will hold a ceremony to dedicate the new names placed on the Veterans Memorial Wall in Leeds at 11 a.m. this Saturday, Oct. 14.  Guest speakers will include Mayor David Miller, State Representative Dickie Drake and Wayne Turner, Past State of Alabama American Legion Commander.  Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be served. 

The Leeds Lions Club invites you to celebrate with them for 70 years of service in Leeds, Alabama.  Join them this Sunday, Oct. 15 from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Leeds Masonic Lodge building, located at 8413 2nd Avenue (behind the Pants Store), for a reception and to learn more about how you can help our community through Lions International.  Please contact T.V. Weaver at 205-699-6742 for more information. 

Leeds City Council will meet at 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 16 at the Leeds Civic Center meeting room. 

Moody Lions Club is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 16 at White’s Chapel. 

Moody Kiwanis Club will meet at Noon on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at Moody City Hall. 

The Springview Homeowners Association meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 17 at Moody City Hall. 

Landmark Credit Union, located at 2460 Moody Parkway, will host their ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18.  For more information about this new credit union, please call 205-702-6565 or visit their website at www.landmarkcu.net. 

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce Corporate Ambassador Group is scheduled to meet at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18 at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center.  Lunch is $10 and RSVP to Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at 205-699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com. 

Breakfast for the Brave will be served at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19 at the Leeds River Campus.  If you are a policeman, fireman, EMT or other first responder in the greater Leeds Area, please come by for a FREE breakfast and fellowship.  For more information, please visit www.EdenWestside.org.  

The Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce will host their monthly chamber luncheon at 11:45 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19 at Leeds First United Methodist Church Family Life Center.  Lunch is $12 with an RSVP ($15 without) and RSVP to Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at 205-699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com. 

The Leeds Arts Council will present a comedy mystery, “Over My Dead Body” by Derek Benfield, directed by Cliff Keen, Jr., at the Leeds Theatre and Arts Center with play dates of Oct. 20-22 and 27-29. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased at the door.  For reservations call 205-699-1892.  Have you ever thought “over my dead body” when you felt others were making decisions about your life and you disagreed? Well, that is what Gerry thought when, after his wife died, he realized she had made decisions that concerned his life.  This play is family friendly so bring your friends, aunts, uncles, grandparents for a delightfully amusing comedy and a surprise ending.    

Line of Fire on Moody Parkway will host their Grand Opening on Saturday, Oct. 21.  This new retailer is your local spot for guns, ammunition and accessories. 

Shepherd Supply will host their third annual Celebrity Roast honoring Judge Bill Weathington at Moody Civic Center on Sunday, Oct. 22 at 5 p.m.  This is a major fundraiser and all proceeds will benefit Shepherd Supply.  For ticket information, please contact Jennifer Monday at 205-441-2340 or visit www.shepherdsupplymission.com.  Tickets are selling fast! 

Moody Kiwanis Club will host its semi-annual pancake supper, Pancakes for a Purpose, at Carpenetti’s Pizzeria on Monday, Oct. 23, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.  Proceeds will fund college scholarships for area Key Club students, youth projects, and Dolly Parton Imagination Library free book program for preschoolers.  Dine in with your family or carry out at only $5 per plate. Tickets are available from Kiwanis, Key Club, Builders Club, and Aktion Club members and at the door.  Please call 205-640-3078 for more information. 

Halloween is just around the corner and there are many events in the Leeds/Moody area for everyone to enjoy.  If you are hosting an event, please send your information to me so that we may help you get the word out.  Here are a couple of events that I am aware of: 

Leeds Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting Downtown Trick or Treat on Halloween, Oct. 31 from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m.  Area businesses will be busy all down Parkway Drive and a couple of side streets giving out candy to kids as a safe alternative to traditional trick or treating.  This event always has a huge turnout.  If you have a local business that would like to participate, please contact Sandra McGuire, Executive Director, at 205-699-5001 or Sandra@LeedsAreaChamber.com.  Your business does not have to be located on Parkway Drive for you to participate.  Sandra can provide details.  Also, Leeds First United Methodist Church will host their Fall Festival during the Leeds Downtown Trick or Treat event again this year to add to the excitement. 

The Leeds River Campus of Eden Westside Baptist Church will host their Fall Festival Trunk or Treat event on Halloween, Oct. 31 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.  Candy, games, photo booth and more.  Leeds River Campus is located on Hwy 78 just past the Shops of Grand River.  For more information, please call 205-338-7711. 

Thought for the Week:  Life is ten per cent what happens to you and ninety per cent how you react to what happens to you! 

I truly appreciate each of you who read my column and I really love sharing news so please send your Leeds and Moody news to me at leedsmoodynews@gmail.com.