Fresh fall produce and apples, a “Sloppy Joe” and soup lunch, a large selection of baked goods and handmade crafts are planned for The Old Rugged Cross’ Fall Festival, Lunch and Bake Sale on Saturday at the Pokagon United Methodist Church in Pokagon.

The public is invited to shop, eat and enjoy this 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. seasonal event. The day will begin with breakfast breads and coffee, followed by the lunch menu, complete with homemade desserts and other treats.

The Original Old Rugged Cross Church will be open to the public during the Fall Festival.

The Old Rugged Cross’ colorful 2011 wall calendar will be available, along with other Old Rugged Cross gift items, just in time for Christmas gift giving.

Apples for sale will be courtesy of Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm in Eau Claire.

The event will benefit restoration of The Original Old Rugged Cross Church and maintenance of the adjacent Old Rugged Cross Memorial Garden.

The Original Old Rugged Cross Church is where the hymn “The Old Rugged Cross” was sung publicly in its entirety for the first time after the Rev. George Bennard completed composing it in 1913. The church is a Registered Michigan Historic Site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visitors also are welcome to stroll through The Old Rugged Cross Memorial Garden. The historic church sanctuary and garden are wheelchair-accessible.

The Old Rugged Cross Historic Site is one block south of Pokagon Highway, just east of Highway M-51 in Pokagon. Pokagon is half way between Niles and Dowagiac.

For information, call 683-4540 or 684-8121. Information about the Old Rugged Cross Historic Site is available at www.the-oldruggedcross.org.