Home Media More than 15,000 youth pour into Knoxville for life-changing experience
More than 15,000 youth pour into Knoxville for life-changing experience
Knoxville, there's talk of a "flood warning" beginning on March 14. No natural disasters are expected in East Tennessee, but the 2008 Church of God Annual National Winterfest, themed "Flood Warning," is bringing 15,000 Church of God youth to the Thompson-Boling Arena March 14-16.
The theme of this year's event, typically known as "Winterfest," is based on scripture from Joel 2:28, reading, "After this, I will pour out my spirit on all kinds of people."
Winterfest is a weekend retreat built for students and leaders who are seeking a deeper relationship with Christ. Winterfest, now in its 27th year, began when two youth groups traveled to the Great Smoky Mountains for weekend of discipleship. Since then, Winterfest has exploded into a popular youth event with outstanding speakers, authentic worship, tons of fun and most importantly - a life changing experience.
Musical acts and speakers at this year's Winterfest include the David Crowder Band, Leeland and Reggie Dabbs, among others. New this year is a performance by Phil Stacey, a Top 10 finalist from 2007's popular American Idol competition. Stacey will perform on Saturday evening.
"This is our 27th year, and we couldn't be happier. with Thompson Boling Arena, Knoxville is perfect for an event of this size. We also have a great relationship with the Knoxville Tourism & Sports Corporation (KTSC) and Knoxville's restaurants and hotels," said Tina Welborn of Church of God Youth Ministries.
Winterfest is open to the public and tickets will be sold at the door for $35 per day per person. For those interested in attending the entire conference without buying tickets at the door, pre-registration is required through the Winterfest website at www.MyWinterfest.com.
Event hours begin on Friday at 5 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Each day's festivities will close at the end of the scheduled performances.
For more information, contact Welborn at (423) 478-7220 prior to the event or (423) 313-0824 during the event.
Tourism officials at the KTSC project the economic impact of the 2008 Church of God Annual National Winterfest to be approximately $16.2 million.
The Knoxville Tourism & Sports Corporation promotes the Knoxville/Knox County area as a premier destination for conventions, sports-related events and leisure travelers to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of the city and county, while generating economic impact and development.
