Celebrate MN is a community-wide effort to connect, serve and impact the lives of people in our community because of our love for God.
This free festival will be held Aug. 11-12 at Whitney Park in St. Cloud.
What is it? A two-day festival in Central Minnesota for all ages — for free. In addition to KidsFest, action sports, concerts by nationally known artists and a car show including a number of free car giveaways, there will be community outreach and opportunities.
Here is what it is all about:
- It is ecumenical –all churches are invited to volunteer for set-up/tear-down, parking assistance, check-in and more! Volunteers can be trained to help accompany those who ask for follow-up after the event.
- It involves the marginalized – the event features “compassion events” that include programs that help the poor with basic needs like food and clothing.
- It is community – one goal of the event is to draw people together, recognize military and first responders with special dinners; there will be a kids’ festival, car show and futsal and basketball tournaments.
- It is fun and inspirational – headliner Christian musicians include Chris Tomlin, Switchfoot, Zach Williams, LeCrae, Blanca & Christine D’Clario.
- It hopes to inspire new and deeper relationships with Jesus and then connect people with a local church. This means that after this event we can expect some new faces at our parishes. We are making plans for welcoming newcomers and also planning adult and family formation groups to engage and inspire newcomers and all of our communities to deepen their walk with Jesus, which is a goal of the Eucharistic Revival in revitalizing the Church.
- It is encouraged – that those interested, volunteer and sign-up for the weekly email to learn more at https://celebratemn.org/volunteer.
Since this event is open to all faiths, St. Cloud Bishop Patrick Neary, C.S.C., said that Catholics are welcome to participate by volunteering or attending this event. Those interested in being part of the local Catholic presence can contact Nicky Carlson at ncarlson@taocatholic.org.