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On Saturday, June 21, the most epic event took place in our beautiful community: The Simply Built Rigs Truck Show.

Thousands of people, mostly young people, descended upon the Freeborn County Fairgrounds and had an absolute blast. PJ and I were honored again, this year, to serve as the chaplains for the event. We hosted a prayer and encouragement booth. We interacted with hundreds of young people who are patriotic Americans, who love their country and love their trucks!

We welcomed, greeted and hung out with so many and had the opportunity to pray with some and ask God to bless their lives. It was a hot one, but people really enjoyed themselves. In connecting with hundreds of young people throughout the event, each individual was cordial, respectful, happy to be in attendance and very friendly. Even in the heat, not one was grumpy or out of sorts.

This event drew 610 trucks to the show, and the attendees filled the grandstand for the awards ceremony, honoring our veterans and troops, law enforcement officers and all of the great sponsors. It was a beautiful sight to see thousands stand to their feet, bow their heads in prayer and honor our country as the amazing Mia Thompson sang our national anthem.

Sonny Jensen, Mason Rafdal, Alec Wangen and their entire team are rock stars, and they are working hard to help put Albert Lea on the map! Cars and trucks were lined up in both directions all the way up and down Bridge Ave.; it was a sight to behold. This team of young, brilliant, hard-working entrepreneurs pulled together an eclectic group of powerful sponsors and supporters to help make such an enormous vision come to fruition. Thank you to all who came, engaged and supported!

The sounds of music, people, loud exhaust pipes and engines filled the air. A family friendly vibe was the atmosphere created by these young champions! We are so very proud of all of them.

We so appreciated our U.S. veterans providing the color guard escort. God bless our veterans, God bless our law enforcement officers and God bless America!

We are so very grateful for being included on this great team! Be proud — Albert Lea, Freeborn County — be very proud!

George Marin
pastor
Grace Christian Church