Rev-up those engines and get ready to burn rubber, as Georgiana is about to be invaded by street racers - on lawn mowers.

Saturday, Sept. 18, the First Baptist Church of Georgiana will hold the first Pettus Street 500 (yard) race.

"We saw a write-up in the Alabama Baptist where they held races in Andalusia and we thought it would be a good idea," church member Rob Williams said. "Some of my neighbors and I had one a few years ago and we had a lot of fun."

Everyone is welcome to participate in the event or just bring out a lawn chair and watch.

"We're hoping to have about 30 entrees which we'll split into different classes including walk-behind mowers and sizes classes for riding mowers," the Rev. Allen Stephenson said. "It really just depends on the number of entrees. I can't say that this will be a fair race, but I think it will be a lot of fun."

Stephenson said there would be hotdogs and hamburgers for the fans who will line the street and several prizes for the winners.

"We're even going to have a most beautiful mower and ugliest mower prize," he said. "We may even have some cheerleaders. It will be a fun packed afternoon."

Rob Williams, also known as "Rapid Rob," said he's already been out tuning up his mower for the competition.

"I've already changed out the spark plugs on my mower," he said. "And I've added an umbrella and a flag and done some more work to get ready."

And just like NASCAR, accidents can happen even at this slower pace. Williams said Monday he was in a 2-mower wreck while practicing for the event.

Festivities start at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, on Pettus Street, Georgiana. Anyone is welcome to show up and enter or one may call Allen Stephenson at 382-7528. though admission is free, entr/e into the races is $10 with proceeds going to the First Baptist Church of Georgiana's building fund.