Two lucky church youth groups will get to “meet the band” at this year’s En Fuego on Saturday, Aug. 28 in Verbena.

Between now and Aug. 18, groups will compete to raise money for the annual Christian music festival, and for a minimum of $100, a group can be entered into a drawing to meet one of two bands — Kutless or Pillar — that will be performing at En Fuego. Groups can earn an additional entry for every $500 raised.

The fundraiser is intended to be a fun way for churches to help keep En Fuego a free event.

“Without churches, individuals and businesses being able to support En Fuego, we couldn’t keep it free,” said Mike Graham, En Fuego board member.

Youth ministers or leaders can register their youth group at www.enfuegoinfo.com/contest.html and see a full list of rules on the website. Groups may determine their own methods of fundraising. All donations must be either postmarked or paid online by Wednesday, Aug. 18.

The drawings will take place at En Fuego on Aug. 28 at a time to be determined. There will be two separate drawings, one for Kutless and one for Pillar. The group must be present at the time of the drawing in order to win. Groups with multiple entries will have the opportunity to win both sessions.

“We would like to thank the community for their continued support of En Fuego,” Graham said.

This year’s festival will feature headliner Kutless, along with Pillar, Addison Road, Group 1 Crew, Robbie Seay Band, Ohio Avenue, Disowning Kaleb, and Steel Fading. Gates will open at 11 a.m. at the site located off County Road 23 in Verbena. Signs and volunteers will direct traffic to the parking area.

David Nasser will return as guest speaker this year, as well as En Fuego co-founder Travis Crim as emcee.

“He’s the one God spoke to about this event in the beginning,” said co-founder Johnny Giles of Clanton.

En Fuego, which means “on fire” in Spanish, began in 1997 as a one-day, outdoor festival held outside of Verbena. The event has grown immensely, drawing crowds of more than 20,000 people. Some of the most sought after names in Christian music have performed, in addition to well-known speakers. Concessions are also available from various vendors.

Anyone can automatically donate $10 to En Fuego by texting the word “buyer” to 85944. Also, promotional posters are available at www.enfuegoinfo.com. Youth leaders are encouraged to post flyers in schools and other prominent locations.

For more information, visit the website or call (205) 516-0467.