The Golden Isles Church of God is hoping to set a personal record with its annual car, truck and bike show this year, all to raise money for local and international projects to help children.
It all started in 2019, says Executive Pastor Justin Smith, with a few friends who wanted another chance to show their pride and joy. Smith didn’t have a car to show off then, but he did get to see a different side of the crowd at the show.
“We had a couple of people at our church that would go around and do car shows, and that year I went to my first car club. Just talking to some of them, they were very passionate,” Smith said . “Car show people love to show off their cars, trucks and vehicles. They love to talk about them and have people come and look at them… This is their baby, so to speak. somehow.”
This became the nucleus of the church’s first car show in 2019, which attracted around 50 vehicles.
“That first year we had 50, then 60, last year it was 86. This year the goal is 100,” he said.
All vehicles are welcome, he said. Muscle cars, classics and customs are common, but everything from dune buggies to fully customized vans can find a place.
“Even if we don’t have a category for them, they can still come in and enter,” Smith said.
Figuring out how to attract more has been an interesting experience, he said: A lot of car people tend to be part of clubs or groups. Once you hook one, it will likely lead to others.
It’s scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 13 at the Golden Isles Church of God, 200 Boswell Lane in Brunswick, and will also feature vendors, food booths and children’s entertainment.
Car people also tend to register the day of the event, Smith said, but anyone who wants to pre-register for $20 can do so by calling him at 912-265-0937 or by emailing at pastorj2299@gmail.com. Same-day registration is $25, he said.
It’s a safe environment for families, he said, and is primarily Christian-themed, including religious music provided by a DJ.
Much of the event, including the car show and bouncy bounce houses, are open to the public, he continued.
“If you have a large family, we understand that the budget can be tight, so we try to make it free,” Smith said. “Our tagline is actually ‘Bringing family and friends together,’ it certainly goes along with our goal.”
All proceeds go to the church’s youth and women’s ministries, he said. The Church of God has some local and international projects under each ministry. This year, all money raised will go to help repair and rebuild orphanages in Ukraine that have been damaged during the war between Russia and Ukraine. Some of the money will stay local by helping pay for summer programs for kids in kindergarten through high school.
The biggest expense by far is the trophies, he added, but it’s important to show appreciation to the people who make the event possible.
“We make a great trophy, the kids’ choice,” Smith said. “Everyone (age) 18 and under can vote for their favorite car. Then we have our people’s choice and best in show, and then we have smaller trophies.
“We know this is what they like, and we try to appreciate and thank them. Without cars, we can’t have a car show.”
