Few things are said to come free these days.

Gethsemane Holy Church, located at 821 Tidewater Ave. in Victoria, holds an annual event where household items, cookout fare and fellowship with members of the community, friends and family only costs the expense to travel to the church.

This year’s Community Day was held Saturday, where clothing, paintings and knick knacks were on display and burgers, hot dogs, chicken and ribs were available at noon.

All household items and food were free for those who attended to take with them.

The event began in 2002, Gethsemane Holy Church member Bettie Hazelwood said, and has continued for every year since. Hazelwood said members of the congregation, as well as those who live in Lunenburg County, were invited.

Shelia Robertson said the event offers church members

and the community a chance to fellowship and interact with the church outside of a formal event.

“We’re a little church,” Robertson said. “We love the Lord and we love the people.”

Robertson said for elderly members who were unable to drive or walk due to Friday’s rain, she and other members planned to take plates of food to them.

James Hazelwood, Bettie’s husband, said the day to reach the community and celebrate with other members of the church is something he looks forward to annually.

“It’s lovely,” Hazelwood said about the event. “I have been attending each year since it started.”

Troy Robertson, who recently moved back to Victoria from Texas, said the event was beneficial for members of the church and community.

“Anything that supports the community I think is a positive endeavor,” Robertson said.

The church’s bishop, Walter Robertson, came from Richmond with his family to attend the event.

In addition to the Community Day event, Gethsemane also holds two revivals annually and a Women’s Day Celebration.

Gethsemane Holy Church was established in 1955.