Matthew West thrilled audiences with his music and audience engagement.
Ryan Berry | Daily Advocate
By Ryan Berry
DailyAdvocate.com
GREENVILLE — The Illumination – Light in the Darke Festival was one of the best attended events in the 17-year history of the contemporary Christian concert series. The festival was held on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Darke County Fairgrounds. From noon to when the final note was played on the main stage in front of the Grandstand, there was something for everyone to do, see, hear and eat.
This year’s event culminated with an outstanding concert featuring award winning singer and songwriter Matthew West. Once he took the stage, concertgoers were on their feet clapping their hands, swaying back and forth and lifting their hands in worship to the one he was singing about. This was West’s second time to headline the Illumination Festival.
Tasha Layton opened for West and was not only an accomplished singer, but her ministry to those that are broken had tears running down the faces of many in the audience.
The Splat Experience returned for the eighth time and once again wowed the audience with his ability to transform a blank canvas into a work of art in the time it takes to play one song.
Caleb and John and He Knows Our Name were also featured on the main stage.
Revive Ohio was also in attendance and offered prayer and baptisms throughout the day. Approximately 10 attendees made a commitment to Christ and were baptized.
Throughout the day, the Illumination Festival had events, food trucks, music and activities on the Midway. Music from regional bands SNJ Collective, Layla Capri and Jacob Shane & Co. filled the Coffee House. Activities included a virtual reality trailer, laser tag, cornhole, basketball, bounce house, and more.
The Illumination Festival also kicks off the Fish Food Pantry’s annual food drive. Festival visitors are asked to bring in non-perishable food items or a monetary donation. This year’s food drive collected 712 pounds of food and $1,267 in monetary support.
The Illumination Festival Committee is already beginning its work to present the 18th annual event, which will be held the third Saturday in September at the Darke County Fairgrounds.
To contact Daily Advocate Editor Ryan Berry, email [email protected].
