By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

CHELSEA – Gears are turning in preparation for Union, The Church at Chelsea Park’s 11th annual car show and barbecue event May 28.

As in previous years, the church is extending an open invitation to everyone for a free day of vintage cars, delicious barbecue, live music and numerous giveaways from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We had a big crowd last year,” event organizer J.C. Burgess said. “We had over 85 cars entered in the show cars. People can come and listen to music and eat barbecue and just enjoy the afternoon.”

The event will be held the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. The rain date is Monday, May 30.

Barbecue food plates will be available for no more than $12 and include a drink and dessert, Burgess said.

Entries in the car show and admission to the event are free, but the church will welcome donations for its missions and facility expenses.

“It’s not a big profit thing for us,” Burgess said of the event. “It’s mainly to introduce our church to the community.”

Burgess and church member Gary Bradberry oversee the event, with Burgess typically cooking about 400 pounds of meat to serve to attendees with sides prepared by church members.

Each car show participant will receive a free gift bag. Various vendors also will be present.

A band will provide live music during the event.

Union, The Church at Chelsea Park is located at 4321 Highway 32, just behind Chelsea Park at the corner of Highway 51 and Highway 32, in Chelsea.

For more information, call the church office at 678-6677.