Freedom Fest is about more than just music, ministry

It's an ancient, universal message — told by contemporary voices.

Freedom Fest is a Christian music festival held yearly at the 20-acre Stocker Farms field near Snohomish. Like other outdoor music festivals, it has both locally and nationally known headliners, vendors, food — even sports and kids games.

But you can't miss the prayer tent, inspirational speakers, informational booths and the festival's theme, summed up by a quote from 2 Corinthians: "Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."

Considered a ministry in itself, the fest is presented by a nonprofit organization that relies on about 400 volunteers from dozens of area churches.

"This Freedom Fest is not just music," said Grant Bowles, senior pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Renton. "There's the teaching. It's a great experience. They're trying to minister to entire families. Events like this, you can go and know your kids are going to be safe."

Since 2003, when the festival was established at its current location, it grew to 11,000 attendees in 2006 and this year organizers are projecting 12,500 people, making it the largest Christian music festival in Western Washington.

"Freedom Fest organizers ... see it as a field of dreams," volunteer Will Fifield said. "Festival organizers bring in bands and speakers who share the Gospel through culturally relevant music and personal stories about their lives."

This year's festival features more arts-related experiences, including a Worship Tent where people can experience spirituality through music, dance and visual art.

The Illuminatrium is a new tent, housing an art show by nationally known artists, a mural demonstration by Scott Erickson, art and photography lessons, lectures on video production, and poetry and literary readings and discussions. Professors will discuss the writings of C.S. Lewis and social concerns such as the Darfur crisis.

Many ideas came from the 20 interns brainstorming with festival organizers.

"We're trying to expand the other areas, expressing not just music, but through art," said festival director Don deQuilettes. "We see a revolution among the 18-and-under group; they're really interested in art. It captures people in a new way; instead of hearing the message with your ears, they want to see the message through art."

There's also another expression, a "tagging wall," a 50-foot-long area where kids can express themselves with art. For younger attendees, there are free crafts, inflatable games and performances at 3, 4 and 5 p.m. daily in the children's area.

Diane Wright: 425-745-7815 or dwright@seattletimes.com