POINT PLEASANT — The West Virginia State Farm Museum is gearing up for campers, singers and food. Only this time, it’s not the fair coming to town.

The 2nd Annual Fall Gospel Jubilee will take place Sept. 6-7 at the farm museum and will feature 19 gospel singers and groups during the two days. Event promoter, Evelyn Roush, does her part to keep gospel music in the area by holding this event.

“I was born and raised in the area and I am fulfilling the call from God,” Roush said. Not only does she perform, but through the years, she has made friends with gospel groups from many states. She says her mailing list contains singers and groups from A to Z.

Roush, along with the committee, organized the Bend Area Gospel Jubilee in 1990 at the farm museum and moved from place to place for shelter needs at the crowd grew. They will be celebrating 20 years at the Jackson County Junior Fairgrounds during June 1-5 in Cottageville.

In 2008, after requests from many for a fall sing and for guidance from God, Roush made the call to the West Virginia State Farm Museum. Roush noted that the secretary, Teresa Hall, was very supportive and said she would give the request to Lloyd Akers, Director of the farm museum.

Even though the facility has always been closed on the Labor Day weekend, Akers got right back with Roush and plans were made right away with much excitement.

At a recent board meeting, members expressed to Roush how happy they were to have her back at the farm museum with gospel music and that they would support her in any way they could.

Many upgrades have been made on the grounds to better accommodate campers including additional hook-ups and more space. The dining and fellowship hall also was recently remodeled and enlarged to provide space and shelter for the crowd that attends in case of bad weather. However, weather permitting, the singing will be held on the outdoor stage.

Admission is free to the event, but those that will be camping will pay $15 each night. Food will be served by volunteers in the country kitchen. It is requested that you bring lawn chairs with you to enjoy the entertainment provided.

“Bring your family. The state farm museum provides a large area for your children to learn about farm heritage and hear gospel music at the same time,” Roush said.

Roush also spoke about Bill and Angie McCallister of Hurricane who are faithful attendees of the jubilee and who will be on hand starting Sept. 4th to help campers and RV’s park.

Singing starts at 2 p.m. each day. On Sunday, featured performers include The Haire Family, Reed, Ky,; Forgiven Four, Gallipolis, Ohio; David Bowen Family, Spencer; J.B. & Barbara Spencer, Mansfield, Ohio; Nancy Jo & Larry Kidd, Charleston; Roush Family, New Haven; Keith Marcum, Lebanon, Ohio; and Mountain Joy Gospel Quartet of N.C.

Monday will feature even more talented gospel singers from the area and surrounding states. They are Ron Shamblin, Sissonville; Goodwins, Poca; Paul & Mary Nichols, Clendinin; Cross Road Messengers, Torch, Ohio; Dan Banks & Friends, Kingsport, Tenn.; The Singing Cookes & The Cook Brothers, Kingsport, Tenn.; Golden Tones, Belpre, Ohio; Mike Upright, Penrose, N.C.; Roush Family, New Haven; David Bowen Family, Spencer; and The Builders Quartet from Ripley.

“I promote gospel music at home to keep my friends and family close at hand,” Roush said.

Roush also said that Saturday, Sept. 4th will be a day when early campers, friends and supporters will gather for a covered dish dinner and musical jam. She looks forward to the second year at the farm museum and invites everyone to attend.

“We hope to see a lot of people come out and make this ministry even more successful. We have been grateful to those who have already supported us this far.”

For more information, please contact Evelyn Roush at 304-882-2049.