The disappointment of losing Gizzard Fest was closely followed by exciting rumors of a possible music festival. The idea brought about by Dave Dickerson and a few other friends to have a gospel festival in Potterville came just a few weeks after the Potterville Chamber of Business unanimously voted to hold off on the beloved Gizzard Fest for summer 2017. Dickerson and friends are pleased to announce the coming of the Potterville Gospel Festival June 9 and 10.
The Potterville Gospel Festival will feature a number of artists known locally, across the state, and nationwide. Artists DC Johnson, and Randy and Sue Leiter, who are recognized in the Michigan Country Music Hall of Fame, will be headlining the festival. Other well-known Christian artists like Savior’s Army, Chosen, and Faith 4 will be playing at the festival as well.
Also gracing the stage will be several very local groups. West Windsor Praise from West Windsor United Brethren Church, Real Life Worship from Real Life Church in Charlotte, and Whoa Nelly are just few of the most local groups to play at the gospel festival. Other performers will include Throne Together, The New Melodaires, Lansing Teen Challenge, Family Street Dance, 4G Music Ministry, Stephen Hammes, a Veterans Tribute Show, Chris Young, and Strength for Battle.
Local pastors and church personalities will also have a few minutes of stage time while bands and artists tear down and set up equipment. These local pastors will reinforce the gospel festival esthetic by bringing a few minutes of the spoken and revealed word of God alongside what is preached through song.
Even with the gospel theme and church presence, the event is open to everyone, with plenty of family-friendly activities. There will be a flea market, covered wagon rides, hot air balloon rides, bounce house and inflatables, a pie-eating contest, a car show, a small parade, and more. With all the events the music will not stop. Both days the gospel music will continue from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
-For organizer Dave Dickerson, the gospel festival is about unity within the community.
“Something that’s lacking today is community celebration,” said Dickerson. “It seems like the community is coming together.”
Right now Dickerson isn’t sure whether the Potterville Gospel Festival will turn into an annual event. For now, he wants to get the word out and have a successful trial run. He hopes the community will enjoy it enough to want it back in the future.
“Help us come out and make our first gospel fest a success,” Dickerson tells readers.
The Potterville Gospel Festival is a completely free event, as are any of the smaller subsequent events. Bands will be playing under the pavilion.
Organizers are still looking for volunteers for things like grounds maintenance. There are also still open spots for vendors. For more volunteer information readers can call (517) 285-2640, or call (517) 604-0390 for more vendor information. For updates on the event readers can visit the Potterville Gospel Festival Facebook page. For more general information readers can call Clint Dickerson (517) 285-2640, or email questions to pottervillegospelfest@gmail.com.
