(NWPR) – Over four decades ago, Bob Lyon, who then was an Asbury Seminary professor and along with some of his students, started what is known today as “Ichthus”, a Greek word for fish in the original language of the New Testament. The founding platform of this group was not based on music or shaped by the Woodstock era; moreover a face-to-face gathering of students with Jesus Christ and experiencing His love, forgiveness, hope, and purpose. This stage was formed over four decades ago and today, the Ichthus Music Festival is not only the oldest in the nation, but also the longest-running Christian music festival, including a first in the Fort Wayne, Indiana region.
On Friday, September 24, the gates at the Auburn Auction Park, formerly Kruse International, opens at 7:00 pm with a special prelude concert by Huntington University for the weekend, featuring Grisham, Red Umbrella, Sevenglory and Attaboy starting at 9:00 pm. Also during the festival, Director of urban scholarship and mentoring for the Horizon Leadership Program, Arthur Wilson will speak to the youths about the preservation of Christian values.
For Saturday the 25th, the gates open at 9:00 am that begin with all day activities throughout the grounds and on the various stages. On the Main Stage, the Ichthus’ performances from Switchfoot, Relient K, and Family Force 5 begin around 7:00 pm.
“This is a great way for youth leaders to kick off their fall events with their youth groups. It provides a place where community can happen in groups and will offer students an incredible day of fun and music,” said Ichthus CEO Mark Vermilion. “We also hope that churches and ministries from the Fort Wayne area will come together in one place and time for an event not quite like anything else offered in this region. This is why the festival theme is ‘Convergence.’ We want to see the community come together for this event.”
The festival offers a unique opportunity for groups to come in early and stay late by camping on Friday and Saturday evenings at the park grounds. The festival, on Sunday the 26th morning concludes with a worship and communion service. Camping is free with a festival ticket.
Weekend camping accommodations is free and for more timed performing detail, including tickets: http://www.ichthusfortwayne.org/ or call 859.858.3001.