[KHTS] – The premiere Grace Fest SCV came to Central Park Saturday with the goal of bringing together Christian believers for a day of music and worship.

“I want to tell people we’re not bringing churches together,” Barry McKeever, Grace Fest Event Coordinator, said. “We’re bringing the body together and we’re bringing believers together. Grace Fest is a place where Christians can come together for one day in Santa Clarita and be able to listen to inspiring Christian music and worship together.”

The event began at 1 pm Saturday and was expected to finish at 9 pm. Grace Fest SCV featured 8 live bands who played on the main stage, with more performers appearing on a special kids stage in the area set aside for children.

“It’s a time for all of SCV, the community, to come and get together and worship God and hear some great music and see great vendors,” Stan Rutledge, Local Talent and Stage Coordinator, said.” “It’s not about one church, it’s about one valley coming together for one purpose, on one day.”

Grace Fest SCV has its roots in Grace Fest Antelope Valley, which will be celebrating their 7th annual event in September. Grace Fest AV was created by Founding Directors Yvette and Ron Emard, and Yvette said she was very happy to see the Antelope Valley festival extending to nearby locations.

“We are so excited that Grace Fest is happening now in Santa Clarita,” Yvette Emard said. “Barry McKeever approached us and asked if we would please help bring Grace fest here. We’re honored and blessed and we’ve made it work. Its been almost two years in the making.”

Bands at the event included a mix of local and national performers such as John Stratton, Matter, Imagine Tomorrow, Jim Gustin & Truth Jones, Andy Gregory, Rocknacappella, Manafest and Building 429.

Tickets were available for purchase from KHTS prior to the event for $15, and tickets purchased at the entrance were $20 for adults and $10 for children.

– Dale Fairclough