FREDERICKTOWN — ROCCfest is back for its fourth year with another urgent
message of spiritual transformation, according to event publicist Amy Morrison.
“It’s main purpose is to bring awareness to youth of God’s
saving grace,” Morrison said.
The nondenominational event, whose abbreviation stands for “Real Outreaching
Christian Community,” will again feature numerous Christian rock bands
to cheer the faithful and spark hope in those lacking it. The musical acts will
include an acoustic set from Aaron Gillespie and harder rock from Children 18:3,
Take the Name, Angelight, Silence the Grave, Shine Bright Baby, Beautiful Warfare
and Agape.
But the biggest news may be that Brian “Head” Welch, the former guitarist
of the hugely popular rock band Korn, will be appearing as keynote speaker. Welch,
who recently published an autobiography titled “Save Me From Myself,” has
been traveling the country telling the story of how God changed his life. Welch
went from being a world-famous, drug-addicted, self-destroying rock star to born
again Christian, and will talk about how belief can turn around even the most
desperate life.
Morrison said Welch was sought as a speaker because he is someone from outside
the traditional religious establishment, a person that youths can relate to.
A prayer tent will be set up, allowing attendees to anonymously submit requests
for prayer.
“I had one child leave a prayer on our prayer cross who was cutting himself,” Morrison
said, adding that many youths find their way to spiritual transformation by first
anonymously asking for help in the prayer tent.
ROCCfest will take place Saturday at 4 p.m., running until about 10 p.m. It will
again take place at the practice football field behind the old high school, 123
Columbus Road. Local bands will appear first, building up the headliners. Gillespie’s
acoustic set will come last.
“We want to slow it down and let God’s grace work on the people who
just heard Welch,” Morrison said.
The event takes place outside, and Morrison advised people to bring chairs and
blankets.
Additionally, a silent auction is also taking place to support ROCCfest. Ryan
Bender is heading up the auction, which is running from now through May 20. Up
for bid are three items of community pride: An autographed helmet from the 2009
Fredericktown High School football team, an autographed pair of cleats from the
MBC championship cross-country team, and a drum head from the 2009 state superior-rated
band. The items will be on display at Farmer Citizens Bank through this weekend,
and can be seen next week at Ryan’s Barber Shop. The final date for bids
is May 20. Winners will be notified after that date. For further information
about the auction or to place a bid, call Bender at 507-2965.
