VIENNA — The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church hosted its annual dinner and fall festival Sept. 28, welcoming parishioners and community members for an afternoon of food, fellowship and seasonal celebration.

Inside the church hall, volunteers and parishioners worked together to serve a hearty meal. Fried chicken was prepared under the watchful eye of LeAnn Kloeppel, who Kaitlyn Hayes, parishioner and lead on the event, praised as making the best fried chicken in town.

Guests also enjoyed green beans, mashed potatoes with gravy, coleslaw and a cupcake for dessert. High schooler Jake Rowden said the green beans were his favorite part of the meal. The presence of food, laughter and conversation combined to create a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.

Outside the hall, a bar setup offered drinks while a flatscreen TV showed football games, proving that God and football can indeed share the same afternoon. Tables were set up for bingo, where many attendees played for prizes, including a $300 prize. The chatter and laughter from both inside and outside the hall filled the grounds, giving the event a lively feel.

Hayes said she enjoys helping out the church.

“I like helping out the church because my husband and I just started a family and I want my kids to grow up in a loving church,” she said.

Hayes added that the dinner would not have been possible without the generosity and dedication of everyone involved.

“All the parishioners help out,” Hayes said. “Everyone is good about showing up for their shifts. They donate their time, talents and treasures. We also have a store that people donate to as well. Everyone really goes above and beyond.”

Hayes also noted she has a longstanding history with the event.

“I grew up going to this church, I’ve worked this dinner since I was 10 years old,” she said.

Now 25, she has helped with the festival for the past 15 year, and counting.

She also noted the festival’s broader community impact.

“This is a good chance for the community to get together and be in an area with the church,” Hates said. “To get the church more involved with community events.”