Plan are rapidly developing for this spring’s seventh edition of the Arkansas Delta Family Gospel Fest, slated Saturday, May 26.

The festival, a production of the Delta Cultural Center’s Delta Music Documentation Project, will feature live musical performances throughout the day and evening by national, regional, and local gospel groups and performers on the DCC’s Cherry Street Pavilion stage in historic downtown Helena-West Helena.

As in past years, DCC will provide opportunities for area performers to participate in the popular festival.

“We enjoy being able to offer local gospel performers a chance to perform on stage,” said Delta Cultural Center Director Katie Harrington. “We welcome anyone who is interested to contact the Delta Cultural Center as soon as possible.”

There are limited slots for performers and the slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Also, non-profit church groups and organizations are invited to take advantage of the large audiences the festival draws by establishing food vending operations during the event -- at no charge for concession space.

“The gospel festival gives us the opportunity to offer a venue for non-profit organizations to raise funds for their projects,” Harrington said, explaining that the arrangement also benefits the festival as a whole. “The vendors serve food and drink and allow the festival crowd to remain downtown during the duration of the festival.”

Only non-profit organizations will be allowed to participate in the festival and will be required to show proof of non-profit status. Pre-registration is required. Applications are available upon request. For more information, contact the Delta Cultural Center at (870) 338-4350 or (800) 358-0972. There are limited slots available and the slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Anyone interested in performing or establishing a concessions booth at the Seventh Annual Arkansas Delta Family Gospel Festival can contact the Delta Cultural Center at (870) 338-4350 or (800) 358-0972 for more information.

The Delta Cultural Center shares the vision of all seven agencies of the Department of Arkansas Heritage – to preserve and promote Arkansas heritage as a source of pride and satisfaction. Other agencies within the department are the Historic Arkansas Museum, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, the Old State House Museum, the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, the Arkansas Arts Council, and the Natural Heritage Commission.

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