Stuart Heights Baptist Church group leader Paul S. Johnson, of Hixson, holds a trophy that resembles what cars, trucks and bikes could win that enter the SHBC car show.
Photo by Katie WardAll cars, antique trucks and custom motorcycle owners are invited to enter their vehicle in a free car show Sept. 10 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Stuart Heights Baptist Church Chattanooga campus.
More than 800 free hot dogs, 1,400 bottled soft drinks, 650 bottled waters, chips and desserts will be handed out to attendees.
"We want to show people good, clean fun," said Paul S. Johnson, coordinator for the third annual car show. "Every year I try to reach the public to let them know everything at the event is free."
He said the first 100 car entry owners will receive a goody bag with tablets, pens, air freshener and a free car emission/electrical diagnostic check gift card. The show can accommodate 275 entries.
At the car show, cars, trucks and bikes will line the parking area of the Chattanooga campus three miles off the S curves of Hixson Pike. Spectators can park on campus and neighboring parking areas and ride a shuttle into the show.
According to Johnson, the 2010 car show enrolled 178 cars, trucks and motorcycles and attracted more than 700 people driving from Northwest Georgia, Cleveland, Alabama and Chattanooga.
He said this year's show should host 250 of the best entries around. Judging will start at 11 a.m. and awards will be given at 3 p.m.
Grand prizes are a 309-piece Craftsman tool set and a three-piece roll-around Craftsman toolbox with price tags of $400 each and an Alpine car stereo system valued at $200. More than $2,500 in door prizes will also be awarded.
A local bluegrass gospel band will play live, while car show judges select winners to receive 60 available trophies.
Johnson said the community has been good to the church, so the church uses this event to give back to the community. Through community support and a growing membership, SHBC now has three locations: in Chattanooga, Hixson and Soddy-Daisy.
"It's all about outreach," said Johnson. "We want to have fun with people, but to reach more for Christ too. God has been so good to us."
• Stuart Heights Baptist Church Chattanooga campus is at 3208 Hixson Pike. To learn more about the third annual car show, contact Paul S. Johnson at 605-9772 or Steve Poteet at 667-4254.