Praisefest to come to the Lee County Fairgrounds
The first Praisefest will be held this weekend at the Lee County Fairgrounds to bring unity among the community and awareness about Christ.
Paul Jennings said since his non-profit organization, Paul Jennings Ministries, already holds small shows at churches, he saw that there was a need to have a Christian Festival in Southwest Florida.
With the approval from his board, the festival flourished into a two-day event that will feature camping, live music and speakers, along with games, contests and prayers.
The gates will open on May 6 for youth groups and their leaders and families for a night of camping at the Lee County Fairgrounds.
“We really want to make that a great night for the youth,” Jennings said.
For those who are interested in the camping night can call the Lee Civic Center at 239-543-8364.
On May 7, the festivities will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony for Paul Jennings Ministries at 9:45 a.m, which is open for the public to attend.
A Ride For Christ will take place for those who want to ride their motorcycle from Grace Church to the Lee County Fairgrounds. Jennings said anyone who wants to ride a motorcycle out with a group of friends can bring a canned food that will be donated to Adopt-A-Block. For information contact John Leonard at 239-574-7161.
The gates will open for Praisefest at 10 a.m. Tickets are $7 or $5 with a non-perishable food item.
“We really want the churches to come out and be a part of this,” he said. “The more the better.”
A portion of the money raised during the festival will be given to Adopt-A-Block, along with all of the non-perishable food items collected. Jennings said the organization provides food and clothing, along with face painting and puppet shows for the children.
“We want to be able to help them with food,” he said about Adopt-A-Block. “We want to make sure the proceeds gets back into their hands, so they can build the program in other areas.”
Jennings said they will have food and beverages, along with different vendors at Praisefest on Saturday. The Big Red Bus blood mobile will also be at Praisefest throughout the day.
Praisefest will feature 21 bands on two stages throughout the day, along with 11 speakers who will provide short, 10- minute talks. Jennings said a prayer will be given before each artist takes the stage, which he thinks is a unique idea.
“We wanted to do that because we felt that was something that was very important for everyone that is going to be a part of this,” he said.
Some of the bands will be coming from Orlando, Miami, Tampa and Jacksonville. Jennings said there are some very talented people that are coming in from out of town that many locals may have never heard before.
Jennings said he wants to model this year’s festival, so they go on the road with it and help other local charities that need that additional help.
For information visit www.ThePraiseFest.com or call Paul Jennings at 239-464-5534. The Lee Civic Center is located at 11831 Bayshore Road.
Praisefest has already been tentatively set for March 30 and 31 next year.