Contact: Craig Chastain, Luis Palau Association, 503-614-1554, craig.chastain@palau.org
ATLANTA, Sept. 2 /Christian Newswire/ -- Global evangelist and author Luis Palau returned to Atlanta over Labor Day weekend to share a message of hope at the second annual 104.7 The Fish Celebrate Freedom featuring Luis Palau at the Georgia International Horse Park. An estimated 47,000 attended the day-long celebration which included performances from some of the biggest names in contemporary Christian music.
In a partnership with Salem Broadcasting, the Luis Palau Association brought an evangelical component to the festival which is one of the largest free one-day events of its kind in the country. In addition to Palau's message, which focused on God as "father to the fatherless," a Gospel presentation was included in the Livin It Action sports area and the Family Fun Zone. Trained counselors connected with hundreds of attendees who indicated a decision to follow or recommit to a life of faith.
Palau shared the stage with a stellar lineup of musical artists including MercyMe, Hawk Nelson, Aaron Shust, Jaci Velasquez, and Salvador. The Atlanta-based group Third Day was a late addition to the bill and drew the crowds in early with their morning performance. The Georgia Baptist Convention sponsored a Family fun zone that included interactive games and live performances headlined by the stars of Kidz Xplosion.
A Celebrate Wellness Expo offered a variety of free health services, and extreme sports were showcased by the Livin It skateboard and BMX athletes and offered up for participation in the Extreme Games area. The festivities concluded with a massive fireworks display.
More than 70 area churches supported the event through promotion, participation and prayer, with more than 350 volunteers contributing everything from counseling to cleanup.
Palau flew across the country from his home in Portland, Oregon, the site of last week's Portland CityFest that drew an historic 185,000 to the city's Waterfront Park. His next major event will be in Oaxaca, Mexico in November.
