Annual United Methodist Church Rock the Block set for September
By CHRISTIAN MONTERO
The Sun
Every summer for the last decade, the United Methodist Church of Mantua has hosted a free event to benefit the community and engage with its members.
This year that tradition continues with the 10th annual Rock the Block, set to take place on Sept. 8 at 3 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of Mantua on Mantua Boulevard.
As a tradition that started 10 years ago, when Senior Pastor Doug Baitinger first joined the church back in 2008, it has continued to grow and flourish into a community staple each year.
As the event has continued to grow, Baitinger and church member Maria Kreh, who launched the first festival, have been hard at work to ensure the yearly event continues to live up to the expectations the past years have set.
“We’re a very active church, and I don’t think a lot of people know that,” Kreh said.
While the church has seen steady attendance since the event’s creation, Baitinger and Kreh are determined to increase the event’s turnout to even larger numbers this year.
The day opens with the “Show of Shows” car show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with car placement beginning at 8:30 a.m. The car show features three top trophies to Best in Show, Kids Choice and Fan Favorite.
A registration fee of $20 is due the day of for any car entering the show.
The show is seeking cars and trucks from classics to cool creations to be featured in the day’s show.
Proceeds from the show will benefit the local Angels Community Outreach; a program providing food, clothing and other supplies to those in need around the area.
Following the car show, the church’s summer block party kicks off with family-friendly events and entertainment.
The event will feature a bounce house and face painting, live music from the United Methodist Church’s band The Eons and various food vendors, among other activities.
A K-9 demonstration from the local sheriff’s office will also take place during the day’s events and an additional animal area is planned for community education.
The day will be capped off by a free chicken dinner for all attendees courtesy of the church. Residents are encouraged to bring their whole family to see what the church and its members have to offer. Pets are welcome too.
“The whole intent was to say thank you to the community … we’re a part of your community and you’re a part of us,” Baitinger said.
A fixture in the Mantua community for more than 100 years, the United Methodist Church of Mantua boasts more 350 members and an average attendance of roughly 200 people per weekly service, according to the church’s website.
Officials say the event is meant to promote community relations between the church and local residents and the church encourages residents to bring a lawn chair or blanket and set up in the space provided to camp out and enjoy the day.
For more information, visit mantuaumc.org.
