For the third year, Church of the Harvest will host “We Are One,” an appreciation day for Effingham County businesses, churches, families and other entities. And for Pastor Gregory Brunson, it’s a labor of love.

“We love Effingham,” Brunson said. “We love the place that we live, and so we want to try to have an effect that would be lasting and then to do something that would continue on annually.”

The event is totally free, including food, drinks and entertainment for the 3,500 expected guests and will be a family-focused day.

“Everything is free — there’s food, there are different types of information passed out during this event,” Brunson said.

“Of course, the kids have a ball. We literally turn this whole ground into a playground. We have jumpers and bouncers, we have clowns and face-painting, we have pony rides. It’s a family day. We think that families are very important. We think healthy families make up healthy communities.”

Brunson, pastor at the Church of the Harvest, said that “We Are One Effingham County” came from the church’s desire to thank the community and bring together businesses and churches to extend local support for keeping faith and funds in the county.

“I think the market is very, very competitive, but Effingham dollars help build Effingham County,” he said. “So we want to let them know that we appreciate their efforts in shopping here in Effingham, attending churches here in Effingham, supporting the services, many services that are provided here in Effingham County as well.”

He said they are expecting more than 60 vendors and that those who have participated the past two years have almost immediately signed on for the next year.

“Well, it’s an excellent opportunity for businesses, churches, local service providers in this area, to utilize this venue to allow the public to know exactly what they’re doing,” Brunson said. “For a small business owner, it’s an opportunity for them to advertise their business and touch 3,000 or more people in one day.”

The Church of the Harvest and the We Are One committee has been planning the free appreciation day since February but can still use help. Anyone interested in donating time or helping to fund the cost for keeping the day free can contact Pastor Brunson at (912) 429-3005. They also are still signing up local talent, bands, vocalists, gymnasts and dancers, church affiliated or secular, there is still room available.

“We Are One Effingham County” will be from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at 434 Weisenbaker Rd. in Rincon Oct. 1. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the church’s nearly 10 acres.

“If we service the community,” said Brunson, “we feel that we will help build people and provide the needs necessary for them to be productive and to kind of fill in for whatever their needs are. I love community. I love Rincon and love people and love this county.”