Organizers hope for record crowds at 6th annual Christian music fest

The Smid Family of Dunkerton, Iowa, performing at last year's Voices of Peace Gospel Music Fest. They are among the scheduled performers at the 2010 festival taking place this weekend at Hilbert Civic Park.  

Nineteen different Christian-based musical groups representing nine different states will be showcased at the fest. The genre of music spans country, bluegrass, southern gospel, and traditional gospel music. Some groups have accompanying instruments, others sing a cappella.

"The fest is nondenominational, representing all Christian-based religions that believe in the Trinity," said Bud McAtee Voices of Peace musician and one of the organizers for the event. The musicians represent Mennonites, Pentecostals, Methodists, Lutherans, Catholics and Southern Baptists.

"We promoted God through Christian music," said McAtee. "We strive to keep it simple. No vendors are allowed like selling t-shirts, no preaching is allowed in general and specifically per denomination. It is free to the public and we want anyone who wants to come to be able to come."

The "Voices of Peace" trio is made up of Bud McAtee and his wife Carolyn of Brillion along with Tom Balliew and his wife June, a silent partner in the group, of Potter. They began singing together in 1997 at local nursing homes and churches. They have completed five CDs and their success has provided them an opportunity to play at more than 60 venues per year, including out of state gospel fests and numerous churches. McAtee feels fortunate to play at a variety of settings. "It's the best thing. I am able to see the country and play Christian music at the same time."

After attending their first gospel fest years ago, the group recognized the void of Christian music fests in this area and initiated hosting a local event. Six years ago they began in the McAtee's large backyard and attracted a surprising 250 people. Wanting to expand they toured all area parks and settled upon Hilbert's Civic Park for it's parking availability, stage, and easy access on the highway.

The large fest requires numerous volunteers. Some oversee the food, which includes a Friday night fish fry as well as chicken, hamburgers and brats. Members of Peace Evangelical and Reform Church of Potter and other local churches help man the food booths, set up the fest and assist with emceeing.

Admission is free but offerings are elicited for the musician's travel expenses. McAtee stresses, "One hundred percent of those donations are divided amongst the bands."

For further information visit voicesofpeace.net or contact Bud McAtee at 920 756-3830 or Tom Balliew at 920 853-3352.

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