The Rev. Greg Whaley, pastor of First Baptist Church of Bogalusa, has been working hard to make the upcoming Bogalusa Gospel Music Festival a success.

According to Whaley, “The festival is in its third year and has grown into quite an attraction for area music lovers.”

Cassidy Park will be teeming with activity and music on Saturday, March 28, from 1 p.m. until as groups from all over converge on the stage. A steady flow of musical selections from traditional gospel to contemporary Christian and most points in between is sure to delight the audience.

Bring a lawn chair and an appetite. Plenty of food booths will be stocked and ready to ease hunger pangs. Proceeds from the booths will fund various church and community projects.

Shallow Creek, Zion Harmonizers, Right Direction, Crispen Shroeder, as well as headliners 7eventh Time Down and Cloverton, are sure to please the crowd with their eclectic musical mix.

7eventh Time Down will be taking the stage at 6 p.m. The group’s single “The One I’m Running To” spent some time on the Billboard Christian charts when it was released in 2013. “Just Say Jesus” is another of their hit songs.

According to www.KLove.com, “7eventh Time Down’s single ‘Just Say Jesus’ is a catchy song with a powerful message. Mixing infectious melodies and inspiring lyrics, the Kentucky-based band focuses on proclaiming who they are in Christ with all of their music.

“The band’s recent single, ‘The One I’m Running To,’ continues to inspire in the midst of a difficult economy and an unstable world. There is a friend in Jesus that will never leave or forsake his saints, a friend we can run to at any time and under any circumstance.”

Cloverton’s 2012 hit “Take Me into The Beautiful” climbed the CHR charts, topping out at number 12. KLove radio touts this song as being the most uploaded song in their history.

Whaley was quick to give credit to the festival committee, comprised of Troy Tervalon, Everett Ledbetter, Malinda White, Don Miley, Percy Knight, the Rev. Scott Breeland and the Rev. Travis Houston.

“They have all done an amazing job spearheading this wonderful community event,” said Whaley.

“Many organizations, businesses and churches have donated in many different ways to make this fantastic, family-friendly event happen,” he continued. “Our main goal is to minister to the people of our community with the love of Jesus Christ.”

Tickets for the March 28 festival may be purchased for $5 at First Baptist Bogalusa or at www.fbcbogalusa.org. Tickets will also be available at the gate.

Don’t forget your lawn chair and your appetite.