CHURCH THROWS RED STAR PARTY

There weren't many gold, silver or bronze medals to award, but children and adults competed in some family olympic games during a neighborhood block party Friday night at Red Star Baptist Church, 1301 N. Main.

Some of the games included children dropping chocolate-covered marshmallows into an adult's mouth, a watermelon push and a water balloon toss. Other carnival-type games, like a duck pond, ring toss and bean bag throw, were held.

The block party was a combination neighborhood celebration and carnival that ended "Go for the Gold" vacation Bible school activities at the church. About 200 people from the church and neighborhood attended.

"We wanted something for the parents," said Mike Parry, vacation Bible school director. "We've had block parties before, but this is the first year that we've combined the party and carnival."

The smell of barbecue and home cooking drew some adult visitors, all of whom were treated to a free meal. The Rev. Don Stephens, pastor, and other church members spent much of the day Friday barbecuing about 300 pounds of meat. The crew began at 6:30 a.m. to smoke the 60 pounds each of turkey and beef, six hams, and nine pork shoulders.

Despite the tables filled with food and drinks, most of the children came for the games and fun. Since vacation Bible school was typically a daytime event in the past, the church hosted evening programs or carnivals. But this year it held night Bible classes, including one for adults.

Other block parties have celebrated the end of flooding in the Red Star District. "In 1993, we had a party after the flood to celebrate surviving the flood," Parry said.

Each child who attended classes this week was awarded coupons to spend at the games during the party. Tickets were earned for good behavior, memorizing scripture and inviting guests.

"They earned so many tickets, I'm worried there won't be enough stuff," Parry said early in the evening.

But there were enough prizes for everyone, including Jared Scicorro who won a heart-shaped key chain with the words "Jesus Loves You" imprinted on it.

"After we're done here, we can go over there," he said, pointing to a dunking booth.

The booth was a popular attraction during the party. It had the longest line and most frequent visitors. Marcus Primm and Tyler Howard headed to the dunking booth first before trying out any other games.

"I just decided I wanted to do it," Howard said as he waited in line.

Primm and Howard each earned more than 40 tickets during the week of classes.