Mennonite Fall Festival Brings Community Together While Supporting School

The Hardeman County Mennonite community held its annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 5, 2024, in Whiteville. It drew a large crowd as it has done each year since it first was held more than 25 years ago.

“This is 27 years,” said Mark Yoder, owner of Backermann’s Country Market which is located in Whiteville. “It is great for our church community, because it has been a fundraiser for our school.”

The event, which is held on the property of Byler Craft, also in Whiteville, is a highly anticipated event with attendees not only coming from Hardeman County, but also from surrounding counties, as well as out of state.

The Fall Festival was created to raise funds for the Whiteville Mennonite School. The live auction included beautifully handcrafted quilts, handmade wood items, and handmade crafts. For sale were delectable foods, which included homemade ice cream, baked goods, fresh apple cider, and more.

Mennonite Fall Festival Photo Gallery

Click arrow/swipe screen to see the slideshow.

The event is a community affair with several of the items that are auctioned or sold being donated by people from the Mennonite community. Some of the schoolchildren even contribute by making craft items that are sold.

“I hope the people enjoy it. It is a privilege for us to get to meet people in the community and fellowship,” said Roy Yoder. “We very much appreciate the support of the community. It is a lot of hard work, but we enjoy doing it.”

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