By Libby Hopkins
Everyone loves a car show. There is something about sitting behind the wheel of an exotic sports car or a classic muscle car that makes your adrenaline race. Car shows are also a great way to bring the community together for a good cause. On Saturday, May 28, Bay Life Church in Brandon will host its annual car show and craft fair on the church grounds from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
“The Bay Life car show originally began as a community outreach to do something fun and involve our local car aficionados,” said Bay Life Church’s Communications Director, Stephen Stough. “Steve Hardy, the long time Bay Life maintenance supervisor, took the initiative to organize our first event.” Over the years, other Bay Life members got involved and the event grew into a fundraiser for the church’s missions.
“Robert De’Angelo, who has been our lead volunteer since the very beginning, is the reason our car show and craft fair is one of the largest in the state,” Stough said. “Robert and his volunteer team attend car shows and carry the news of Bay Life all around the state of Florida.”
The car show and craft fair will feature more than 400 show cars, trucks and custom cars. The group Legacy will provide live music in addition to the Bay Life DJ playing classic rock, county and oldies.
Crafts will be on display for sale from many local crafters and artisans. There will be a special opening celebration performed by the Color Guard and National Anthem to honor our country. The church’s Mission Café will be providing the food at the car show and craft fair. All the proceeds raised at the car show and craft fair will go to support the church’s missions.
“Bay Life Church Missions and Student Ministries send several trips throughout the U.S. and internationally to support our mission partners,” Stough said. “Every penny raised from food and beverage sales, raffles and donations goes to support Bay Life Global Missions.”
Stough hopes the car show and craft fair will be a fun filled day for everyone who attends. “It’s amazing, each year we see three or four generations enjoy the day where everyone in the family has something for them,” Stough said. “Our hope remains that our community grows stronger, that lifelong friendships are forged, and that our community sees that Bay Life is here to support them on their journey.”
To learn more about the Bay Life Church car show and craft fair or to be involved with the event, visit www.baylife.org. Bay Life Church is located at 1017 Kingsway Rd. in Brandon.
