Big crowds, big bands, loud music and a Gospel message are all part of En Fuego, the annual festival held each year in Verbena.

But another tradition precedes this event — the En Fuego pre-party, which is one of six held across the Southeast this year.

En Fuego, Spanish for “on fire,” brings the country’s most recognizable Christian bands and speakers to rural Chilton County for an all-day outdoor festival similar in concept to Woodstock.

This year’s pre-party will feature three of those bands — After Edmund, Clanton-based rockers Thalon, and Christian rapper LP.

The pre-party is set for Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at New Life Community Church in Clanton. And best of all, it’s free.

“It’s just getting the kids pumped up to come to En Fuego,” said Mike Graham, En Fuego Board member. “Three of the nine bands are going to be there.”

Four area churches are involved in putting on this event. These are New Life Community Church, Clanton First United Methodist, Lomax Assembly of God, and Clanton First Baptist.

The party is open to anyone who wishes to attend and is not affiliated with any particular denomination.

“I hope that all the other churches in the community will band together and try to get as many kids here as possible,” said Brian Jones, youth pastor at New Life.

En Fuego is a non-profit ministry that relies totally on support from donations and volunteers. Work days are planned for Aug. 15 and 22, with the big event to follow Saturday, Aug. 29 at the site located off County Road 23 near Verbena. Gates will open at 11 a.m.

A counselor training class will also be held at Clanton First Baptist on Aug. 15 at 9:30 a.m. for anyone who wishes to be a counselor.

Youth pastors and parents in need of more information about En Fuego may call (205) 516-0467 or visit www.enfuegoinfo.com, where they will find a downloadable promotional video.

En Fuego also has a site on MySpace, at www.myspace.com/enfuegoinfo.