Residents in Valdosta and Ray City have several community events to look forward to this fall, with local churches hosting anniversaries and festive gatherings. New Hope Missionary Baptist Church on 709 W. Gordon St. in Valdosta is set to celebrate its 58th Church Anniversary with a series of special services and a community dinner, while St. Anthony of Padua in Ray City will hold its annual Christmas Festival.
The 58th Church Anniversary Celebration at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church will span multiple days in mid-October. Evening services are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, October 12, Tuesday, October 13, and Wednesday, October 14, 2026. The celebration will conclude with a special morning service at 11 a.m. on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Each service will feature guest speakers from neighboring communities and churches, fostering inter-church fellowship.
On Monday, October 12, the celebration will feature Rev. Naamen Hooker, accompanied by the Morningstar Baptist Church congregation. Tuesday, October 13, will host Rev. Norman Edwards and the Mt. Olive Baptist Church from Hahira. The Wednesday, October 14, service will welcome Rev. Dr. Charles Vinson, joined by Mt. Calvery Baptist Church. Concluding the anniversary events, Pastor Aden Fluker, Jr. will lead the service on Sunday, October 18. Following the services, dinner will be served in the church's fellowship hall, offering an opportunity for attendees to gather and celebrate this significant milestone for the Valdosta church.
Further east, the community in Ray City is preparing for the St. Anthony of Padua Christmas Festival, scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026. The festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua, located at 2530 Garner Rd. This event aims to bring holiday cheer and community engagement to Ray City while supporting a local cause.
The festival will feature a Christmas Market, showcasing a variety of items ideal for holiday shopping. Attendees can expect to find homemade crafts, expertly crafted woodworking pieces, unique jewelry, and a selection of homemade sewn items, among other offerings. For those interested in purchasing market items, it is important to note that all transactions at the Christmas Market will be cash only.
Beyond the market, the St. Anthony of Padua Christmas Festival promises family-friendly entertainment and activities. Children can enjoy a bounce house and a barrel train. Automotive enthusiasts can look forward to a classic car show, and youth soccer games are also planned as part of the day's activities. A range of food options will be available, including nachos, barbecue, and hamburgers, ensuring there are refreshments for all attendees. All proceeds generated from the Christmas Festival are dedicated to benefiting St. Anthony’s Building Fund, supporting the ongoing development and maintenance of the church's facilities in Ray City.
