FROM STAFF REPORTS

ALABASTER – When Community Baptist Church members in Maylene has an event, they are serious when living up to the church’s name.

“We are making strong efforts to reach those outside of our church, and that includes our residential neighbors and those who serve us in the community,” said Children’s Minister Mattea Pavlick.

On Oct. 28, the church took its traditional Fall Festival and invited local utility trucks, service vehicles and recreational vehicles and created a Truck-A-Palooza event.

“We wanted to show appreciation and showcase those who serve us by featuring their vehicles but we also wanted to add vehicles kids would love to see up close,” said Pavlick.

Featured on the campus were Alabaster police, fire and garbage vehicles, a Pelham SWAT truck, and local ambulance teams. Pavlick estimated the total number of attendees at the event grew tremendously from 250 last year to almost 900 people this year.

“Last year, it was cold and many people did not want to get out,” she said. “This year, God blessed us with a combination of wonderful weather and vehicles with emergency lights parked close to the road for drivers to wonder what was going on.”

Mandy Mealer, a member at the church, worked registration and met many of those who came through.

“This event has always been a favorite of mine and others but tonight has been incredible,” she said. “The trucks, music and games brought much happiness and sharing the light of Jesus was a blessing for us all.”

Other vehicles included classic cars, drag racers, motorcycles, dirt bikes, construction vehicles and even a plane.