CRESTVIEW — Young adults' declining church attendance concerned Billie Carter. Maybe a Christian music festival would aid their spiritual journey, she thought.
Stephen Booe appreciated the New Beginnings Church mom's idea and helped organize Saturday's Rise and Unite Music Festival at Old Spanish Trail Park.
In addition to attracting the spiritually needy, it's an occasion for uniting Christians of all faiths and ages, he said.
"My hope is that we can bring them together, have them rub shoulders … and have them realize that we are all part of the same family," Booe said.
Ten musical groups will perform, at no charge, a range from southern gospel to Christian Jazz and Christian hip-hop, Booe said. The event concludes with a 6:30 p.m. performance from Christian rapper B-Shoc.
In addition, guest speakers and volunteers will answer questions about faith, and children's activities will include bounce houses and the opportunity to test cattle roping and steer riding skills, courtesy of Ropin' the Truth ministry.
Carter hopes that young people will absorb the message.
"We are trying to reach kids between the ages of 15 to 20," she said.
Admission is free, but event organizers plan to take collections with a love offering to cover each performer's expenses.
Food vendors and concessions will be available throughout the day. Attendees are encouraged to bring their lawn chairs and blankets.
WANT TO GO?
WHAT: Rise and Unite Festival
WHEN: Gates open at 10 a.m. Event begins at 11 a.m. Saturday
WHERE: Old Spanish Trail Park on Stillwell Boulevard, Crestview
COST: Free
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Music festival aims to unite area Christians, spread faith