More than 40,000 people are heading to the Arkansas River this weekend for City Fest in North Little Rock. The event kicked off Saturday spreading Christian music to the masses. Since July, 250 Central Arkansas churches came together for what they call a "Season of Service". This weekend is a public celebration of their efforts.
The outdoor concert on the river drew thousands Saturday.
"We've been in more than a dozen major cities across the country for festivals like this and very few have such a beautiful setting right on downtown along a river," said organizer Kevin Palau.
Organizers say day one of the two day City-Fest was just as exciting as they predicted. Many families brought their children.
"They just wanted a little bible. They don't have a small full sized bible they can use. They asked for one so we got one for them," Shana Wilson said pointing to her 3 and 4 year olds.
Plenty of activities were on hand for children and more than enough sights and sounds for the young at heart.
"I got the opportunity to get me a funnel cake," Elizabeth Fitzgerald said while nodding to the beat of the music.
Vendors and vibrant melodies made for a stress-free Saturday.
"Everyone is having a good time," Fitzgerald said.
Some came just for the live bands.
"Toby Mac!" one fan screamed wearing a t-shirt of her favorite artist.
"I’ll be back tomorrow because (my granddaughter) is going to make sure I come back tomorrow," Fitzgerald said when she heard Kirk Franklin will take the stage.
Organizers brought in the big acts but they want festival goers to find out the message is more than the music.
"To bless the city, to serve the homeless, public schools and help rehab houses," Palau said.
It's a message he wants to stick even when the melodies are gone.
If you missed Saturday you have one more day to get in on the action. City Fest continues Sunday from 1pm until 9:30pm. Admission is free. Attendees are asked to bring a canned good to benefit the Arkansas Rice Depot.
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