Harmony Freewill Baptist Church in Hampton is revving its engines for its annual Back to School Bash fundraiser that will feature a car show and a chance to meet local YouTube celebrity Marge in Charge on May 18 between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church located at 3405 Gap Creek Road.

The church has been doing the Back to School Bash since 2008 when Pastor Brandon Young had a dream about the event. “This dream that I had we were doing an event where we were giving the kids backpacks and all the needed school supplies,” said Young.

Young said he brought this dream to the church and after some discussion about how such a venture could be paid for it was decided that local businesses and other churches could be contacted to assist.

The funds needed have been in line with the number of kids that have attended over the years. Last year, for example, over 2,000 young learners received a backpack filled with age and grade appropriate supplies. According to Young, they work through a special vendor that provides the filled backpacks at a reduced cost.

Young said he predicts this year’s event will have an even higher turnout than last year. While the fundraising efforts in the past have yielded approximately $25,000 in revenue, more will possibly be needed to cover the increase in kids needing back to school materials.

The Back to School Bash is currently slated to take place on July 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year’s event will also include carnival style food, games and inflatables for parents and kids. Young said instead of parents having to drive to Hampton High School like in previous years, they could go to their nearest school and catch a school bus to the bash.

Filling the bill at the fundraiser this year will be a car show that will feature some of the area’s classic cars, the online unassuming comedic local persona Marge in Charge and a large lineup of specialized vendors, such as Appalachian Trendz and Pink Zebra.

Young said the event still has plenty of room for more car owners and vendors, and the cost is $10 and $15 respectively. Car owners, vendors and staff volunteers are urged to call the church at 423-725-3338 for more information and reservations.

The church will also be holding its annual Price and Desgro Memorial Bike Ride on June 1, and the funds from this will go to supplement the Back to School Bash as well.