More than 1,000 attend

 A small town with big hopes and big dreams brings together people by the hundreds to Fort Deposit for their annual Praise Fest.

 With a population of just  over one-thousand, Fort Deposit Community Park was the scene of a Back to School Blitz that brought together at least 1,000 people from the north, south, east and west.

This event has grown tremendously over the last few years.

 Group organizers say this event has turned out to be one of the largest events in Fort Deposit and its’ purpose is a five letter word…U-N-I-T-Y that will undoubtedly bring a positive change in this area.

“This is the Fort Deposit that the majority of the citizens know, love, and appreciate. We want to foster relationships and be a place of Unity, Love, and Commitment to God,” says Bennie Stanford, Pastor of Bethlehem Christian Church.

One of the biggest highlights during the Praise Fest was to help the parents prepare the youth to go back to school and to relieve some of the financial burden that comes with buying school supplies and book bags.

Approximately 624 book bags with an estimated value of over $12,000 were given out to children ages K-12.

The event is sponsored by Bethlehem Christian Church and Edgewood Tutorial Plus Center.

The value of this event including food, book bags and school supplies is valued at $17,000.

With over 1,000 people in attendance, of course there were volunteers everywhere helping to meet the needs of the people.

“We had about 100 volunteers from various churches and community organizations working together. When we are unified and work together for one common goal, nothing will be impossible for us and this community,”  says Pastor Stanford.

Some of the activities that were at the park included, two space walkers, rock climbing provided by the National Guard Armory, a Shotokon Karate demonstration, face-painting and many other activities for both young and old.

In addition, several booths were set up throughout the park. These include booths from the Wellness Coalition, promoting Body and Soul, Spiritual Education where free bibles were given out, booths on Career, Girl and Boy Scouts, Dental Care, HIV/AIDs and the BCC Exercise Ministry.

Live music and singing to usher in the presence of God was provided by local recording artists Alonzo Caldwell and Rod Jackson.

 The event got underway with prayer from Minister Kathy Simms and the occasion was given by City Councilwoman Irish Simmons. Also in attendance was Mayor Fletcher Fountain.

This event is FREE to the public and event goers didn’t leave with an empty stomach. On the menu was Fish, BBQ chicken, Hot dogs, polish sausage, hamburger, baked beans, corn on the cob, cookies, sodas, juice and water.

To top it off, in between play time and battling the hot sun, event goers cooled off with snow cones and enjoyed freshly popped popcorn.

Organizers are looking forward to next year and are soliciting your help. For more information or if you would like to make a donation please contact Linda Body, Praise Fest Chairperson at (334) 392-3014 or (334) 669-2238.