ASHTABULA — The city’s North Park overflowed with gospel music, dance and a little bit of interfaith preaching Saturday as the eighth annual Gospelfest unfolded.

More than 500 people brought lawn chairs, blankets and sat on park benches to praise the God of their understanding for His blessings.

“The committee is made up of all denomination churches in Ashtabula. We set out to make this a friendly family oriented event to praise God,” said Kimberly Adams. “You don’t have to worry about hearing anything negative today. Ashtabula (county) needs something positive and this is one way.”

Adams was hoping to see a thousand people Saturday, but the crowd was closer to 500. Musical groups, praise teams, singers and dancers were an interracial mix from Ashtabula County Christian churches, while others joined from Cleveland, Warren, and Columbus.

Community activist and committee member, Peachie Chapman, said this was the second year to invite vendors. “They have jewelry, clothing, shoes, all kinds of food and even homemade ice cream along with peach cobbler.”

Chapman was busy with her own food stand. Everyone selling specialty items like “walking” taco salad in a bag to barbecue chicken, ribs, hot dogs and cold beverages were kept busy all afternoon.

Alex Armstrong, 19 of Ashtabula, was subbing for his mother Marian doing face painting art for kids.

“My mom is in the hospital, so I’m here taking her place,” said Armstrong, an education major at Cleveland State University.

Youngsters were standing in line for some of Armstrong’s fancy art. Over on the covered gazebo the Praise Team comprised of Karen Tollard, Sharon Napier, Lorna Larken and Sheila Jemison from Living Word Christian Center of Madison brought the crowd to their feet wih song.

Their song, “The Lord is Good, I will bless the Lord” was a crowd pleaser. With them was the center’s senior pastor, Elaine Gaither. Pat Edwards and daughter, Karen Barnes said they come every year to the Gospelfest.

“I love the music and all these churches coming together like this,” said Barnes.

Ernesto Ortic, a member of Pentecostal Church of God on Cook Road, and wife Delores brought along a friend, Ruby Long to take in the event. “This is wonderful music and just to be here,” commented Delores Ortic.

Harvest International /Harvest Metro Church teen member, Joelle Eskelin sang and danced to “Open My Heart”. Other performers included choirs from People Baptist Church, Hiawatha Church of God, Elim Christian Center of Warren, God’s Silent Warriors of Columbus, Trunk Bank Rappers, Palms of Praise, African Soul International of Cleveland. Emcee for the event was Brian Williams of Warren.

Adams said the group provides a scholarship each year from the Gospelfest proceeds. This year’s winner is Jacob. J. Depp, a senior graduate from Geneva High School. A member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, Depp, an honor student and athlete, has participated in his church’s youth mission trips and worked in inner city ministries in Washington, D.C. and New York City.