With kids out of school and wanting to be entertained, a local community church is stepping up to provide a day of free fun for the whole family.

Community Baptist Church will be hosting their fifth annual Family Fun Fest on July 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“It’s an event we’ve become known for,” said Pastor Mike Knight.

According to Knight, the church, which started meeting in April of 2006, began looking for ways to make their presence known to the community, share the gospel and provide an opportunity for their congregation to bond together.

“We wanted to do a community wide event to let people know we’re here and we’re interested in families,” said Knight.

The first summer the event was held, around 500 people attended. For the past two years, about 1,600 people have come to the event. Knight says they expect 2,000 to show up this year. And they’ll be ready with plenty of fun on hand.

The Fun Fest will feature giant inflatables, pony rides, a petting zoo, carnival booths, a dunk tank, face painting, free food and more.

“It’s a fun time and a fun occasion,” said Knight. “We’re still a new church in the area, and this is an opportunity for people to enjoy a free day of fun with their family and to come check out a new church.”

On Sunday, July 11, Community Baptist invites everyone to “Community Sunday” at their 10 a.m. service. They will also be holding their first Vacation Bible School next week.

“We want to reach our community for Christ,” said Knight. “That’s where our name came from – Community Baptist Church. That’s our heart.”

Community Baptist Church is located at 130 Commerce Parkway. For more information on the Fun Fest or other church events, call (919) 773-3131 or visit www.cbministry.net.