Dozens of classic cars will return to Pilot Point once again for another year of ChromeFest.
This year is extra special for Grace Point Church of the Nazarene Pastor Dwayne Edwards, as the event honors all veterans in celebration of the theme 250 Years of Freedom.
“God gave us our country,” Edwards said. “He gave us an incredible gift. … Those in the Marines and Navy and Air Force and Army—those who [are] in service have helped us keep our freedoms and liberties that has made our country, to me, the greatest on the earth.”
The event is from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday on the Pilot Point Historic Square.
There will be no live auction, only a silent one to give more time for the veterans’ ceremony.
The proceeds from the silent auction will go to the local veteran organization, the American Legion.
“Every penny that we bring in, not only from a silent auction, ... [but also] if we have any extra money for selling T-shirts … we give every penny to the organization we're giving to that year, and this year it's the veterans organization,” Edwards said.
As car registration happens between 8-10:30 a.m., Edwards shared that he’s been working with Jimerson Adkins, the owner of the Pilot Point Coffee House, to prepare for the rush of early-morning risers who will come to register their cars.
“We have really great restaurants in either walking distance or real short two-minute drive,” Edwards said. “We support everything local we can.”
Martin's General Store, Moto Latte Coffee Roaster and Loco Snow will also be open and ready for business.
The annual tug-of-war tradition returns along with performances from the Pilot Point High School Mighty Bearcat Band and cheerleaders.
The Kid Zone has grown to include more familyfriendly activities, including live animals, face painting, coloring and a bounce house.
Resident BJ Wheeler is a member of Grace Point and has been a big advocate for donating blood, especially now that demand has reached a critical level, which he shared at the Aug. 27 Pilot Point City Council meeting.
“Carter and the Red Cross, they need 1,600 units a day in the North Texas area,” Wheeler said. “The cool thing about blood donation is it doesn't cost a penny, but it is invaluable to the people that receive it.”
The Carter BloodCare drive will accept walk-up appointments at ChromeFest.
Throughout the event, there will be giveaways for those who registered, including lunch gift certificates to local spots like Leo's Pizzeria, Powerhouse Burger and Uncle Beto's Mexican Restaurant.
The event has a hefty list of sponsors, including Chandler Cabinets, Humana, Christie’s Golf Ranch, ACE Hardware and Big Brand Tire & Services, along with many donations from the community.
Edwards thanked the city for its continued support and also the members of Grace Point for making the event possible.
“The theme of our church is to give it away,” Edwards said. “We believe in giving love, giving encouragement, giving hope, giving honor and respect to our veterans.”
