Third Annual Gospel-Fest Unites Community in Support of Habitat for Humanity Housing

We spoke to organizers of the third annual Gospel-Fest event held Saturday, June 15, at the Gazebo-anchored Village Commons Park at the intersection of East Main and Chester Streets in Historic Downtown Front Royal. The event, organized in support of Habitat for Humanity efforts on behalf of families struggling to maintain a livable home situation in this community, featured Gospel music performances by a number of area musical and church-based groups.

A full list of featured performers was supplied to us by event organizer Pastor Shannon Roman of The Embassy Deliverance & Worship Center, Front Royal, Va. Campus, they were: Mary and Wimpy Kenny, Band of Brothers, Voices of Grace, Meade Skelton, The Diamond Warriors, House of God Path to Heaven Worship Team, Heart of Worship Dancers, and Grace by Faith. Below band and choir shots were provided by organizers without IDs – But let’s just say you all know who you are and how great you all were on Saturday.

From the Gazebos stage, Gospel and spiritually oriented choirs and musicians expressed the spirit of unity of purpose in providing community assistance to families in need. While we don’t have IDs for the musical performers photos, you and the crowd, knows who you are and how GREAT you all were. A full list of performers is included in the story text. – Courtesy Photos Gospel-Fest organizers

Pastor Roman cited Virginia Housing as the event’s primary sponsor and added this observation about the impetus of the now annual Gospel-Fest: “This event was to showcase the Christianity in Habitat For Humanity and show people that we care about helping people to live safely and get affordable housing in our community. We thank the Lord for allowing us to have such a great event that didn’t only showcase singers but also brought churches together to serve one mission and that’s to glorify God for allowing us to come together to build in our community for families in need.

“It was an awesome event … the 4th year is in the works,” she enthused of a project she helped launch three years ago.

We also reached out to Habitat for Humanity, whose director Andrea Ross responded. “Warren County Habitat for Humanity would like to take the time to thank all of the vendors and churches that came out and showed their support. There was soul stirring music, dancing, delicious food and everyone had a good time.

Let’s have some fun – I think we already are!!! – Courtesy Photos Gospel-Fest organizers

“The kids got to get their faces painted, made slime, painted rocks and enjoyed the bounce house. We are grateful for the support of the community to be able to present what fun, faith and unity looks like. Events like the Gospel Fest allow us to remind our citizens publicly that we are a resource for affordable housing and home repairs for the residents of Warren County,” Ross observed, adding, “A special thank you to Virginia Housing as our premium sponsor, Premier Home and Lawn Care LLC for donating the bounce house, State Farm agencies of Bill Powers and Ellen Aders,” Ross added with a nod to all those others who contributed to the event. “We are excited to prepare for our 4th Annual Gospel Fest and we are looking forward to it getting bigger and better as it has every year.”

Event booths, starting with Habitat for Humanity’s Deborah Siksay chatting with neighboring business owner Jim Justice of the Chester St. Tavern, and on reflected the spiritual unity in joining together to provide community assistance to those in need. – Royal Examiner Photos Roger Bianchini

Sponsors included: Harvest Mission, Latter Day Saints, Luxor Detailing, Leaf Home, Laura’s Lemonade, Capture the Moment by Jenn, Artsifi Gems, Seniors First, Kim Roivas, Just Serve, Sewfanciful ETC, A Little of Heaven Catering, Merry Mountain Mama, EM Woodworking, Bad Dog Barbeque LLC, Signs and Designs by Laura, Grace Bible Fellowship, Warren County Democratic Committee, Romans Hair School Front Royal, Embassy Deliverance & Worship, Warren Coalition, Orchard Ministries International, Guts Media, Busy B Wood Art, Riverton United, Gonewestern Tack & Apparel.