On the eve of Halloween, when many locals were putting the finishing touches on carved pumpkins or sewing the last sequin on a costume, there was a different kind of activity going on at the Benton County Fairgrounds.

In the middle of the giant arena, several men were raising what looked like a housing frame but it soon would be transformed into Noah's Ark, complete with a petting zoo. And what, might one ask, does Noah's Ark have to do with Halloween? Absolutely nothing, and that's exactly the point.

The Harvest Carnival has been put on by the Calvary Chapel of Corvallis for the past 11 years, with the help of hundreds of volunteers. The point of the carnival is to offer an alternative to trick or treating, with plenty of candy and fun, but none of the gore. The event is Bible-based, hence the ark, and the Christian-themed games and activities.

John Blanchard, one of the men helping to build the ark, has been a member of the church for two years, and last year brought his grandchildren to the carnival.

"It's fantastic," he said. "The kids get to actively participate. There are Bible themes and stories, and it's about the non-ghoulish side of Halloween."

The only remnant of Halloween in the carnival lingers in the costumes some of the children choose to wear when they attend. The only costumed adults around will be church members acting out scenes from the Bible in "Bible Story Land."

Cheryl Lang, children's director for the church and organizer of the event, said the carnival has grown larger every year, and now welcomes around 4,000 visitors. The events include pony rides, carnival booths, concessions, hay rides, face painting, three inflatables, and Bible Story Land. The activities are aimed at children ages 3 to 12.

The only way to make the carnival happen is with a lot of help.

"It's pretty much our whole church," Lang said. "We have 900 people do some sort of set up or take down."

Lang's children are old enough now that instead of participating as visitors, they're now volunteers, including her youngest, an 11-year-old, who is running a game booth this year. She said the kids have never complained about giving up trick or treating.

"This was always more fun for them," she said. "When you go house to house you never know what you're getting into. It's sometimes scary."

Children's pastor Joe Clauss said the event is all about souls.

"We're reaching out into the community to bring light to the darkness," he said. "It's time we recognize Jesus as the Lord of the Harvest, and this is the harvest festival."

By presenting Bible stories in a child-friendly way, Clauss said, the event can minister to children.

Although it's always a massive undertaking, Lang and Clauss weren't worried about getting things finished.

"The Lord is faithful," Lang said. "We always get it done."

Theresa Hogue is features reporter for the Gazette-Times. She can be reached by e-mail at theresa.hogue@lee.net or by phone at 758-9526.

At a glance

Harvest Carnival takes place 4 to 8 p.m. today in the Benton County Fairgrounds arena. Admission is free.