Take warm weather, a slippery surface and some water, and sprinkle it with sunshine and a bit of youthful exuberance. Now throw in some gravity, and you've got a rip-roaring good time.

Water Slide Day is good, clean, innocent and wholesome fun. Many of the same values can be found at Zion Church.

"The purpose is to get people wet," said Keith Shetter, who's been a member of Zion Church's evangelism team for five years. "It's all the pieces that make summer, summer. On a hot summer day, it's about staying cool and having fun. I think teenagers can come and have a splashing good time, as well as the younger kids. There are even some spirited adults who will try the slides."

Zion Church's annual Water Slide Day is quickly approaching. The festive, family-friendly event will be conducted on the church's front lawn at 18 Quarry Road, Leola, from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9.

Water Slide Day is free to attend, and everyone is welcome.

"It's a community event," said Shetter. "There's a lot of joy and thanksgiving. People are so grateful we offer this event. It gives them a break. So many people aren't able to afford a place like Hersheypark. The day is about inviting the community in and letting them know we support them. It's about outreach; it's an opportunity to love on your neighbor."

The star attractions of Zion Church's Water Slide Day are a pair of 20-foot-high, dual-lane slides lubricated by H2O. A waterless 40-foot obstacle course will serve as the pair's supporting cast.

"It's the idea that when people come through our door, they're so appreciated," said Shetter, a resident of East Lampeter Township. "We look forward to this every year. It's on our calendar. It's become part of some families' summer ritual. It makes you feel good just doing something for someone else. The joy comes not from what we get, but the things we do and what we give to others."

But Water Slide Day is not just about getting wet. That Saturday afternoon will also feature free hot dogs and watermelon, live music, Papa Tater's magic show, rock painting, crafts, Bible trivia, other games and prizes.

Several hundred people, mostly Conestoga Valley community members, are expected to attend.

"It's just a unique day in that you're bringing so many people together," said Shetter. "You can forget about life for a while and take in all of the festivities. You can leave feeling loved and supported."

Also, in attendance at Water Slide Day will be local organizations like Conestoga Valley SEEDS, the East Lampeter Township Police Department, the Upper Leacock Fire Department, New Holland Ambulance Association, Conestoga Valley Christian Community Services (CVCCS), Steps to Success and KPETS (Keystone Pet Enhanced Therapy Services) and its popular miniature therapy horse, Franklin. The local nonprofits will make information available about the services they provide.

About 25 volunteers associated with Zion Church will assist with Water Slide Day.

"There are opportunities for people to engage with other organizations in our community," said Shetter. "We have so many community people involved. There are all these different organizations that make the community thrive. It's a way for them to get exposure."

Zion Church's concept of a community Water Slide Day became a reality in 2008. Since then, the event has gotten bigger, better and wetter.

"The initial idea was Slip 'N Slides and smaller slides," said Shetter. "I don't think (event organizers) thought the initial idea would stick. But it's evolved and gotten larger in scope. It's become a tradition. I think it's something the church looks forward to. It's kind of the highlight of our summer."

Zion Church also hosts a Trunk or Treat event in the fall, a video recording of a Sight & Sound Theatre production in the spring and a free community meal on the third Friday of every month. The church views all of the events as ways to reach out to the surrounding community.

"We're called to serve," said Shetter. "What you're seeing is an opportunity for us to do good for others. It's the heart of the church to do that. We have to allow the community to know what we experience on Sundays. They're all community events and engaging the community in some form."

For additional information, go to http://www.zionleola.org.