The Word is spreading, thanks to a summer festival in Granum.
Now in its 13th year, the Willow Creek Gospel Jamboree continues to expand its following, with more than 1,000 people turning out.
“Our mission is to spread the gospel through music,” organizer Fran Hanson said. “We keep growing each year. I think the word is spreading out there and people are telling other people about it.”
Coping with the ever-growing crowds is a challenge with which jamboree organizers are happy to contend, and a lineup has been arranged that is sure to attract large crowds July 22-24 at Granum’s Granview Park.
Master of ceremonies for the weekend is TV news anchor Darrel Janz.
The jamboree gets under way Friday, July 22 with a chili supper and pasta bake at 6 p.m., followed by a concert at 7 p.m. featuring the Faithful Blend Quartet, The Josties, Eliana, The Tapleys, Standing Stones and The Rawlings.
The Josties and The Rawlings get the music started at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 23.
An afternoon concert is set for 1 p.m. featuring The Rawlings, Dory Rossiter and Moondancer, The Josties, The Tapleys, Standing Stones, Eliana and Faithful Blend Quartet.
A children’s program featuring Steve Harmen will be held at 1 p.m. in the Homesteader.
A beef-on-a-bun supper is planned for 5 p.m., followed by an evening concert at 6:30 p.m. featuring Eliana, Standing Stones, The Josties, Moondancer, The Tapleys and Faithful Blend Quartet.
A youth concert featuring FX of Grace begins at 10:30 p.m.
A free pancake breakfast will be served at 8 a.m. Sunday, July 24 by the Granum Christian Reformed Church, followed by praise and worship at 9 a.m. and an interdenominational church service at 10 a.m. with an address by Mustard Seed founder and former chief executive officer Pat Nixon.
For more information visit www.gospelmusicjamboree.com.