Excitement high at En Fuego

Published 11:31 am Monday, August 28, 2017

By Joyanna Love

By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Christian music lovers from all over the region enjoyed En Fuego in Verbena on Aug. 26.

The day of concerts had a festival air as numerous vendors were on site selling everything from jewelry to funnel cake. Audience members enjoyed the bands while sitting on blankets or lawn chairs on hills facing the stage. A beautiful view of nearby hills back dropped the stage.

Many had a particular band they were especially looking forward to.

Brandi Patterson, who came with her church Jackson’s Gap Baptist, was excited for Plumb.

“I’ve just never seen her before,” she said.

Brandi Patterson said she did not have a favorite song because she enjoyed all of Plumb’s music. Her daughter Grace was also eager to see Plumb. Plumb performed the worship set at En Fuego, setting the stage for guest speaker Tony Nolan to give his message.

Brandi Patterson said it was a chance for her children to see of the bands that they hear on the radio.

“It really just appealed to us because we like this kind of music and it’s an outdoor event,” Brandi Patterson said.

Several people were excited to see For King & Country. Brady Patterson, age 11, said his favorite song by the band is “Priceless.”

“They have powerful messages,” Jeremiah Chalkley of Westview Baptist Church in Sylacauga said.

His favorite song by the group is “Priceless.”

He said this was his second time at the event. He enjoys “the bands and just everyone praising Jesus.”

Madison Bryant of Dothan said she was “really looking forward to hearing the speaker and Tenth Avenue North.”

Bryant said it was her third or fourth year attending En Fuego.

“I just love how it’s a great bonding opportunity and just getting to come and worship Jesus and be outside,” Bryant said.

Precious Benkoye of Auburn said this was her second year attending the free day of concerts. Benkoye said she enjoyed the opportunity to be with her friends and worship God. She said she was looking forward to hearing new music.

Overcast skies kept the sun at bay and a cool breeze helped attendees stay cool during the event.

“The weather is amazing right now,” Trent Nolan o First Baptist Church in Demopolis said. “God has given us a great cloud cover and a gentle breeze. You can’t ask for more than that.”

Nolan said he had heard good things about the event for years before attending En Fuego. Many of the students from First Baptist Church in Demopolis were excited about seeing For King & Country.

Despite the breeze, the concert emcee repeatedly reminded people to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Preparation for En Fuego is a year-round endeavor. Jasmine Caffee of Verbena is one of the more than 500 volunteers that made the event possible.

“It’s been good just serving and getting to be a part of what God is doing here that is much bigger than us, then what we can imagine,” Caffee said.

She said she has attended the event every year since she was in seventh grade.

“It’s great to be on the other side,” Caffee said.

This year’s event was attended by thousands, ranging in age from children to 70 years old.

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Additional photos available at shelbycountyphotos.com.

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