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MOUNT UNION – What began as a beautiful and sunny opening day to the Creation Music Festival was promptly interrupted by torrential downpours and flooding Wednesday at the Agape Farm in Mount Union.
Creation, billed as the nation’s largest Christian music festival, features more than 60 Christian rock, contemporary and worship bands over four days.
The event, which was originally hosted in Lancaster, has occurred annually since 1979.
According to Pastor Harry L. Thomas Jr., founder of the festival, the event has attracted 50,000 to 60,000 individuals from various denominations in recent years.
“What I’m told from people and other musicians who travel is that Creation Festival has a unique blend of Bible teachers centering on the word of God and the music. There are some festivals that are just music festivals, but we say we are a music and teaching festival.
And we also focus on strong worship, as well,” Thomas said.
The Agape Farm is owned and operated by the Jesus Ministries, an organization that has a strong working relationship with Creation.
Over the past three years, Jesus Ministries has promoted a “Celebrate Recovery” program at the festival.
“It’s a ministry to help people recover from their hurts, habits and hangups,” said Connie Vinck of Chambersburg.
The atmosphere of the festival differs drastically from other music festivals; sobriety is emphasized, and alcohol is neither served nor permitted.
“We have two nonprofit organizations that have partnered together to do the festival. … I have a school in Ghana, Africa, with 2,000 students. Our newer partner has orphanages in India,” Thomas said when asked how the event’s
proceeds would be allocated.
“And then, of course, you gotta pay your staff and expenses. That’s the bulk of it, of course.”
The festival will continue through Saturday.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the main gate on Keystone Road for $50.