NATCHEZ — The annual Holy Family Fall Festival was Saturday, and parents and their children came out to have some fun and give back at the same time.

Horse rides, music, games and food were all in abundance, and all money raised at the festival went to Holy Family Catholic Church and School.

“We depend on the community to help us meet or expenses,” fair coordinator and Holy Family teacher Faye Barnes said. “This is our biggest fundraiser we have all year.”

Barnes said the school hosts four fundraiser events every year, and the fall festival is one for everyone to enjoy.

“We look forward to having it every year,” she said. “You get to meet people you haven’t seen in a while and come out and support the school at the same time.”

Natchez resident Janice Johnson was at the festival with her son Omari and said it is nice to see people come out and support such a great cause.

“It gives the kids something to do and it is very important for the school,” she said. “A lot of people came out. The more support, the better.”

Sister Kathleen Higgins, who was working the grab bag booth, said she was happy with the turnout and to see everyone having a good time.

“I am having so much fun,” she said. “And everything we earn helps keep the school running. It is just a special day.”

Holy Family Director Ira Young said the fall festival is always a great event for the area.

“It is very important to get the community to get together,” she said. “Since this is our biggest fundraiser it helps to see so many people from the area come out and show their support.”

With teachers, faculty and volunteers working the festival and The Knights of Peter Claver grilling up lunch, Young said the event showcased the community coming together for a good cause.

With one side of her face painted, 6-year-old Wardaja Gaines said her favorite part of the festival was the cake walk.

“I have been having a lot of fun,” she said. “And I got to play a lot of games.”

The horse rides were a big hit with the children, and 4-year-old Kamiya Washington said it was her first time riding the horse, and it was a lot better than walking.

“It was fun,” she said.

Barnes said she wanted to thank everyone who came out and helped support the school.

“This is a very important event for us,” she said. “Every one that came out helped out in a big way.”