By Tiffany Green
The Cullman Times
CULLMAN — The threat of rain did not stop more than 7,500 people from showing up for the seventh annual Youthquake at the Cullman County Fairgrounds Saturday afternoon.
“This is the all time biggest crowd we have ever had,” said Shane Quick, organizer and owner of Premier Productions.
Six bands including Skillet, Hawk Nelson and the local Outcry Band played the festival.
“We are finding a way to get Jesus to people,” Quick announced to the record crowd. “That is what this is for. I pray that many souls will be saved because it’s about You. The Bible says that where two or more are gathered, He is here.”
Eight thousand tickets were printed for the event. By 4:30 p.m. Saturday, the event was almost sold out.
“People come from all the surrounding states,” Quick said.
Quick started the event in 2003 with about 2,000 people in the Fair Theater He’s proud to say it has tripled since then.
Crosshaven pastor Jason Murphree brought his churches youth group.
“I think it shows that people are passionate about Christ and it is a great outlet for people to see Christ,” Murphree said.
Murphree was proud to have Cullman host an event this large.
“It’s rare that Cullman brings in bands and speakers like this,” he said.
Kelly Jorgenson flew from Wisconsin to see her favorite band Hawk Nelson. The devoted fan follows them around the country and attends as many shows as she can.
“We go to a lot of shows,” Jorgenson said. “It’s great and the weather is perfect.”
Derek Pate and Tabitha Crane drove from Blount County to attend their first concert.
“We fought our way to get her (Tabitha) to the front,” Pate said. “We are having fun.”
Josh Simmons, associate youth pastor at Daystar, said he is glad something of this size is available to the youth in Cullman.
“It’s just a great event for students in the area,” Simmons said, adding the low ticket price allowed many people to attend.
“Due to the sponsors, it is only $10... And 7,000 students get to come and worship God together,” he said. “It was always Shane’s dream and vision to see something like this come to Cullman and it’s here and it’s amazing.”
Local youth minister Kristie Moore brought her youth group.
“It’s something that happens in Cullman and brings a lot of people here,” she said. “I think it is something good for the kids and even good for the economy.”
Shannon Perdue from Baptist Church at Lay Lake in Shelby County brought her youth group for the first time.
“We are enjoying it,” she said. “The kids listen to this music. I just think this is something they can relate to. Some teens tend to turn away from the typical Christian concerts and things.”
* Tiffany Green can be reached by e-mail at tgreen@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 220.
