STAUNTON, Va. — Families from around the Shenandoah Valley and beyond flock to Gypsy Hill Park, a 214-acre park in the heart of downtown Staunton, on summer evenings. While some are there to walk or bike or swim, many arrive toting lawn chairs to enjoy the nightly music.
Praise in the Park, sponsored by Linden Heights Baptist Church in Staunton, will kick off its ninth year of music and family activities on July 5. Two free gospel concerts are offered every Tuesday night during July and August at 7 p.m.
“This is an outreach ministry,” says Karen Hall, coordinator of Praise in the Park. “It’s a great way for Christians to come and praise the Lord together.”
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Beach Blast Vacation Bible School for children will be held in July at 7 p.m. behind the gazebo led by members from First Baptist Church of Staunton. The Augusta Baptist Association hosts Teen Night on July 26 with three teen bands and with free pizza and drinks. Every night there are food concessions, children’s activities and other vendors.
And as in past years there will be a prayer wall for those passing by with staff from the Christian radio station WNRL present to talk and pray with those leaving requests.
New for Praise in the Park this year is its participation in America’s Birthday Celebration which will include Staunton’s Valley Gospel Homecoming on Saturday, July 2.
Praise in the Park will host five free concerts from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on July 2. Gospel music singer Ivan Parker and his special guest Brian Free & Assurance will take the stage at 5 p.m. for an evening concert.
The homecoming continues on Sunday, July 3, with a community worship service at 11 a.m. led by Luke Smith, pastor of Linden Heights. There will be concerts throughout the afternoon with Parker and his special guests Jeff and Sheri Easter and Charlotte Ritchie performing at 5 p.m.
For a complete list of performers, check the church website at www.lindenheightsbc. com and consider making plans to spend a night in the Valley this summer.