Autumn means heavy tourism throughout Jim Thorpe and St. Mark’s and St. John’s Episcopal Church plan to usher in October with a Fall Festival benefiting its outreach ministry.

Each full weekend in October, the parish is planning a food sale at the Tolman House, 32 Race St., which includes soup to go or to purchase by the quart, as well as chili, haluski, barbecue and hot dogs. In addition, it will be having a bake sale. Both events run from noon to 4 p.m. each day.

Besides food items, Pawsitively Purrfect Animal Rescue will be on site on Oct. 3 and 17 for animal adoptions and/or to accept donations for their cause.

“Since the Fall Foliage Festival in Jim Thorpe was canceled, each business is left to be creative to welcome visitors and provide some type of activity for the tourists,” said Karen Horvath, parish secretary, in announcing the event. “Our festival will be COVID-19 compliant.”

In lieu of the official Fall Foliage Festival, tourism officials have been promoting a “Fall in Love With Jim Thorpe” campaign to drive business in the area.

The usual craft and food vendors will not be located in Josiah White Park and the Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency is encouraging visitors to patronize local merchants.

Food will not be the only draw at St. Mark’s and St. John’s over the October weekends.

A local author, Vincent Hydro, will be on hand Oct. 17 and 24 for a book signing of his latest publication, “Mauch Chunk Pa. Biography Series: Asa Packer’s People.” Children’s crafts will be available as well.

“We are hoping to have live music performed throughout the weekends,” Horvath said. “We are in the process of setting up time slots for talented musicians willing to showcase their talent. In addition, our National Registered Historic Landmark Church will be open for tours.”

Proceeds from the event go directly to the parish’s outreach ministry. Which provides free monthly community dinners. The ministry also has a newly revamped food pantry. It partners with Family Promise and is also a referral service for mental, spiritual and physical guidance.

“Our parish community outreach ministry is about giving, contributing, and helping those who cannot help themselves. We hope our actions have a positive influence on others, especially our youth. We hope that by our example, others will be inspired to give back to the community and share our gifts to those in need.”