Rotary Club of Warren County: Serving the community with dedication and heart

On June 15, 2024, Warren County Habitat for Humanity will host its third annual Gospel Fest, a community event designed to bring local residents together through music, faith and fun activities. The festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Gazebo in downtown Front Royal. The event is free and open to all.

The brainchild of Warren County Habitat for Humanity, Gospel Fest is designed to foster a sense of community and highlight the organization’s faith-based mission. Andrea Ross, Warren County Habitat for Humanity’s executive director, and Shannon Roman, faith affairs chair, stress the importance of such events in bringing the community together and demonstrating support and unity within the region.

“With Gospel Fest, we want to create a place where people from all walks of life can come together, enjoy great music and celebrate our shared values,” said Andrea Ross. “It’s about community engagement and demonstrating the power of faith to bring about positive change.”

The festival offers a diverse program of gospel music, including urban gospel, contemporary gospel and Spanish gospel music. Artists travel from Richmond, Washington, DC and other areas. The music is intended to uplift and inspire attendees and reflects the spirit of the event. Shannon Roman, who is instrumental in organizing Gospel Fest, shared her excitement about the diversity of music and the involvement of different churches.

“We invite many churches to join us because we believe in the power of unity in faith,” Roman said. “No matter what denomination you belong to, you will find a place to celebrate and gather with others. It is a beautiful representation of the diversity and strength of our community.”

In addition to the music, Gospel Fest offers several activities for children, including a dedicated kids’ corner with games and face painting, making the event family-friendly. Food vendors, including a popular pizza truck, offer visitors a variety of dining options.

“We want to make sure there’s something for everyone,” Ross said. “Whether you’re here for the music, the food or just your family, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.”

Habitat for Humanity will also use the event to raise awareness of its ongoing projects and initiatives. The organization is known for its work building homes and revitalizing neighborhoods. Gospel Fest is an opportunity to connect with the community and gain support for future endeavors.

“This festival is not just about having fun, it’s about supporting our mission,” Ross explained. “We’re hoping for donations and new sponsors to help us continue our work. Every contribution helps families find stable housing.”

Warren County Habitat for Humanity has been particularly active in the Osage Street area, working on projects to revitalize the neighborhood. Ross emphasized the importance of these efforts in improving the community and providing affordable housing for those in need.

“When we build homes, we sell them at market value to make sure we’re adding value to the neighborhood, not degrading it,” Ross said. “It’s about creating lasting positive change.”

Volunteers are an essential part of Habitat for Humanity’s work, and the organization is always looking for more people to get involved. Roman noted that there are many ways to volunteer, not just through construction work.

“Volunteering at Habitat can take many forms,” ​​she said. “From office work to helping organize events like Gospel Fest, there is a role for everyone. We appreciate any help we can get.”

As the date approaches, the anticipation for the third annual Gospel Fest is growing. Ross, Roman and the rest of the team at Habitat for Humanity of Warren County invite everyone to join them for a day of music, fun and community spirit.

“We are thrilled with how this event has grown over the years,” Ross said. “Every year more people come out to support us and it really shows the strength and unity of our community. We can’t wait to celebrate with everyone on June 15.”

Town Talk is a series from the Royal Examiner where we introduce you to local entrepreneurs, businesses, nonprofits and politicians who have an impact on Warren County. The topics will be varied but hopefully interesting. Let us know if you have a topic or would like to hear from someone in our community. Send your inquiry to [email protected]