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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

CHELSEA – Locals can look forward to participating in a variety of activities while also supporting Hargis Christian Camp during this year’s edition of Hargis Day.

Hargis Christian Camp will host its third annual Hargis Day event on Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a selection of festivities to entertain families.

“This is our third Hargis Day, we do it in honor of Dr. Hargis and we also do it as a fundraiser for the camp,” said Aaron Knight who runs the camp with his wife Kellie.

During the event, attendees can look forward to a selection of food trucks, games, face painting, inflatables, vendors and a bake sale as well as a car, truck and motorcycle show.

This year’s fundraising efforts are to “Save the Cross” as Hargis Christian Camp works to purchase a neighboring piece of property that still supports a large cross that has stood for decades and also serves as part of the camp’s logo.

Hargis Christian Camp has served as a staple of the Chelsea area since 1965 and has provided a getaway location for summer camps as well as a venue for ministries.

Events such as Hargis Day provide an opportunity to service the community by providing a day of fun and entertainment while also spreading awareness of the camp and its mission.

“Our goal is to make Jesus known,” Knight said. “The goal of Hargis has and always will be to be a pipeline to heaven.”

The camp was recently purchased and paid off in full after a five year journey of fundraising and community efforts to preserve the piece of local history and to continue its mission. Now, the camp continues to raise funds to pay for renovations and improvements.

“It’s a special place,” Knight said. “Not every town has a camp in it, so it’s pretty special for Chelsea to be able to have a place that’s that close.”

In addition to Hargis Day, the camp will also serve as the backdrop for another event when it hosts the ceremony for the fourth class of Chelsea High School Hall of Fame inductees on Wednesday, April 24 at 6 p.m.

Those interested in learning more about the camp and its offerings may visit its website at Hargischristiancamp.org.