By TOM LAVIS
TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM
There will be a harmonious blend of gospel music and fellowship during Labor Day weekend at Camp Harmony.
The 24th annual Fall Harvest Gospel Music Festival will be held Sept. 4-7 at the Hooversville camp, 1414 Plank Road.
Festival hours begin at 7 p.m. Sept. 4 and 1 p.m. the remaining days.
Jean Huzsek, a member of New Hope Ministries, which sponsors the festival along with Camp Harmony and Tire Hill Church of the Brethren, said 26 gospel groups and soloists from five states will participate.
There is no admission charge to the festival, and parking is free. Freewill offerings will be accepted.
“We don’t do this for the money,” Huzsek said.
“Our goal is to help people with their problems through God. If we help one person spiritually this weekend, then we view the festival as a success.”
Singers will perform in Saith Hall during this rain or shine event.
People are advised to bring lawn chairs for seating.
“For the second year, we are asking people to bring a nonperishable food item, which will be donated to the St. Francis Sharing and Caring Food Pantry in Conemaugh Township,” Huzsek said.
Groups and soloists scheduled to participate are Last Generations, Somerset; Promise, Turtle Creek, Allegheny County; Crossover Ministries, Mahaffey, Clearfield County; Choraliers & Pearl, Spring Grove, York County; Heaven 4 Shore, Oxford, Chester County; Clowns for Christ, Osterburg; Kent McClain, Johnstown; Threshold, Beaverdale; Free Spirit, Lemont Furnace, Fayette County; Singing Ministry of Tom Smith, Sproul, Blair County; The Fishers, Milesburg, Centre County; Dusty Aleman, Lebanon, Lebanon County; The Masters, Nanty Glo; Austin Family, Ligonier; K. Dwayne Kaufman, Claysburg, Blair County; The Martieszyn Family, Berlin; Revived, Bethel, Del.; The Michael Family, La Jose, Clearfield County; New Hope Ministries Praise Team, Hooversville; the Hays Family, Ruskin, Fla.; Victorymen, Orongo, Mo.; Jake and Ryan Kopco & Ayden Stiffler, Ebensburg; Kristen Stiffler Friends, Ebensburg; New Season, Littlestown, Adams County; New Jerusalem Bluegrass, Columbus, Ohio; and Good News, Kingsley, Susquehanna County.
There are 30 campsites with water and electric hookups for $20 per night, no-utility sites for $15 per night and 75 tent sites for $10 per night also are available.
Reservations for campsites are suggested, but are not required.
Reservations are required for the camp’s 21 cabins, with most accommodating eight people.
All campers must stop at the office upon arrival.
Huzsek said the music usually lasts until 11 each evening, but it is not uncommoin for jam sessions to take place in the campground areas following the regular performances.
“They can play until 3 or 4 in the morning if not longer,” she said.
“This is a true family-oriented event.”
Homemade food will include hamburgers, hot dogs, hot sausage sandwiches, potato soup and pies and other desserts.
A chicken barbecue will be served at noon Saturday, and other dinner specials will be announced throughout the weekend.
The swimming pool will be open, and a lifeguard will be on on duty.
A Kids’ Korner featuring adult-supervised crafts and activities for elementary-aged children will be available.
Children must be 5 years of age or older to participate. Any child younger than 5 must be accompanied by someone responsible.
In harmony
What: 24th annual Fall Harvest Gospel Music Festival.
Where: Camp Harmony, 1414 Plank Road, Hooversville.
When: Sept. 4-7.
Admission: Free.
Information: (888) 745-2267 or visit www.campharmony.org.
