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About 80,000 people expected to attend four-day Christian music festival at Clay's Park
By Kim Hone-Mcahan
Beacon Journal
Published on Thursday, Jun 12, 2008
John Reynolds began going to the Alive Festival 15 years ago with his four kids and wife, Susanne. Listening to some of the best Christian performers in the world was a terrific family outing, particularly when the concert was so close to home in Canal Fulton.
Over time, the number attending the family's night out grew. This year, more than 75 people from Stark County's Young Life, a nondenominational Christian organization in which Reynolds is involved, will gather around a campsite during the festival with the Jackson Township man.
About 80,000 people are expected to attend the four-day event, which runs June 18 through 21. With that many people, lots of volunteers, such as Reynolds, are needed to help.
As part of his unpaid position, Reynolds works to get business owners to sponsor children, including those in foster homes, so they can attend the festival. By doing so, the sponsors get a chance to meet Brady Quinn, a quarterback for the Browns, who is participating in the Alive Sports Zone. Browns running back Jason Wright and General Manager Phil Savage are also involved in the festival.
There are lots of other things to do, too, including swimming, miniature golf, hiking and listening to speakers, like Louie Giglio.
Celebrating its 21st anniversary, Alive began as a small outdoor gospel music event at Bear Creek in Pike Township. That year, about 1,500 people attended. Now, thousands gather at Clay's Park Camping Resort, about 18 miles south of Akron.
It's not unusual to spot bug-spattered automobiles in the parking lots with license plates from as far away as Colorado and Canada. For some, it's become their summer vacation.
Along with Reynolds and his bunch, hundreds are expected to pitch tents or arrive with trailers.
More than 70 national artists and 25 speakers will be featured this year. Among them are 2008 Dove Award winners TobyMac, Chris Tomblin, Casting Crowns and the David Crowder Band. Even Bob & Larry of the VeggieTales will make an appearance.
''Being on the hill with 15,000 [who are] showing their faith, hearing great testimony from speakers about what God has done in their lives, and sitting around the campfire at night are great ways to renew your faith,'' Reynolds said.
It's also a great escape for kids who are searching for answers about life and the afterlife, or just want to hear artists belt it out — all in the name of God.
Kim Hone-McMahan can be reached at 330-996-3742 or kmcmahan@thebeaconjournal.com.
John Reynolds began going to the Alive Festival 15 years ago with his four kids and wife, Susanne. Listening to some of the best Christian performers in the world was a terrific family outing, particularly when the concert was so close to home in Canal Fulton.
Get the full article here.
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