Amazing Race Part of Saturday's Family-Friendly Event

The Amazing Race is coming to Johnston.

Okay, not the wildly popular reality television show, but a family-friendly event all the same.

The hosts Saturday as a way to bring the community together and explore Johnston.

"The point is to have fun as a family, to build a community, actually to get to know your community because it takes you around different places," Pastor Craig Ferguson said of the event.

Teams will compete in fun challenges that include riddles, treasure hunts and missions around town.

"They get a chance to be a little goofy, have fun relaxing," he said. "They'll travel around the community and finish challenges."

The event encompasses all the new church, which is part of the New Hope United Methodist Church in Des Moines, strives to promote.

"Our mission statement is 'Being Christ in the Community,' so our whole focus is to engage the community," Ferguson said. "How can we help Johnston get to know the community? How can we help each other meet new people around us?"

River of Life is constantly looking for ways to engage the community, whether through events like The Amazing Race, or holiday events.

"We focus on connecting with the community and offering family-oriented fun and it's free and available to everyone," he said.

River of Life meets for a casual worship at 5 p.m. each Saturday night at , Ferguson said.

Families and community members, of all ages, attending The Amazing Race are encouraged to wear tennis shoes and not be afraid to work up an appetite.

"There will be prizes and and pizza for everyone when we get back," Ferguson said.

The Amazing Race kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday at Beaver Creek Elementary.