Mt. Vernon’s 2nd Annual Christian Family Day is set for Saturday, August 25th. The event is moving downtown this year to South 9th Street. Beginning at 11 a.m., Jefferson County churches will line the street with booths. Churches will provide information about their ministries, as well as family activities such as crafts, games, giveaways, and more. The community can enjoy concessions from Kountry Kitchen Kettle Korn, Pizza Hut, Agave Mexican Restaurant, McAlisters Deli, Billy Bob’s BBQ, and other food vendors all day long. A kids zone will be set up with R & J Tactical Lazer Tag, Inflatables, Triple B Farm Petting Zoo, and a photobooth. Dental Safari will be on site offering free dental cleanings for children.
Six local Christian bands and artists will perform throughout the day beginning at 12:30 p.m. The line-up includes The Victory Boys, Gospel Messengers, Ascension, First Baptist Church Woodlawn Praise Band, Jermaine Bollinger, and Judah First. Radio personalities from The Vine radio station will emcee the day’s events. At 5:30 p.m., Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child recipient from the country of Panama, Luis Gonzalez, will share his testimony.
The evening community worship service returns this year at 6 p.m. Worship leaders, Chris Gregg and Jon Henninger will lead worship with a band of local musicians. A community choir will also participate in the service. An informational meeting will be held for those interested in joining the choir on Tuesday, July 31st at Logan Street Baptist Church at 6 p.m. Following the worship, local sports legend, Kent Williams will give an inspiring message. Williams helped lead the Southern Illinois Salukis to two NCAA Tournaments (2002, 2003), including a run to the Sweet Sixteen in 2002. He was the schools second player to score over 2,000 career points.
Christian Family Day is presented by Mt. Vernon Festivals, Inc., a non-profit organization that relies solely on sponsorships to keep events free for the community. Grateful to our current sponsors, Peacock Printing, ProVision Eyecare, Bean Insurance Agency, Schmidt Chevrolet, Peoples National Bank, Clearwave Communications, and the Medicine Shoppe, more funding is still needed to fund the main stage, bands, and speaker. An online CrowdRise campaign has been created under “Mt. Vernon Christian Family Day 2018” as another way for the community to help support this event. All donations are appreciated.
Christian Family Day is a chance to engage in outreach, fellowship, music, food, and fun! For any questions about the event or if you would like to get involved please contact [email protected] or (618) 242-3151.
