By Sophie Pappas
The second annual Light the Night Christian Music Festival starts this week at the Boone County 4H Fairgrounds in Lebanon. The festival takes place over the course of three days, from June 20 to 22.
For the Light the Night founder, Michael Dubbels, this event is about bringing the community together.
“It started as a dream idea to have a big backyard event with music and a Christian focus,” Dubbels said.
Last year, Dubbels dream came true when he and his family hosted The Rhett Walker Band on his personal property, along with other local artists and a fireworks display.
“The long story short, it was just top notch,” Dubbels said. “It went extremely well.”
This year, the county asked Dubbels if he would like to move the event to the fairgrounds to allow for more space.
The festivities kick off on Friday night when headliners such as The Rhett Walker Band and the Hunter Smith band perform. Following them, more than 20 artists will perform the rest of the weekend. Additionally, there will be fireworks during the evenings, activities for children and teens, an antique car show, and multiple food vendors every day.
There is free general admission for anyone who wishes to attend. There are also campsites on the property, and spaces for people who want to park their RVs or set up a tent.
“The real highlight is all of the fireworks,” Dubbel said. “And that this is open to everyone in the family.”
For more information visit www.lightthenightfestival.com.
Schedule of events
Friday, June 20
There will be ample parking for vehicles and motorcycles. Come early and set up your tent in the camping area. Stroll through the exhibits in the various vendor areas. Bring the kids to enjoy the kids zone with inflatables bounce houses and obstacle courses. Don’t miss out on all the food vendors as you prepare your way to the outdoor amphitheater and main stage to hear some incredible artists on the North Track.
Saturday, June 21
Saturday kicks it into high gear with a car show and motorcycle ride in! There will be three stages with artists performing throughout the entire day. There will be activities for teens in the central lawn area north of the Main Pavilion. The kids zone will include inflatables, petting zoo, clinics, and programs for youngsters. There will be church, ministry, missions, non-profit and business vendors in the various facilities through the entire weekend. The night will end with a fireworks display at dusk.
Sunday, June 22
The weekend will conclude with an extended outdoor service between 9 and 11 a.m. featuring various musicians and guest speakers.
