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Wilkes County approves management agreement for FaithFest; event set for Sept. 8–14
Summary
The board approved an annual management agreement allowing FaithFest to use River’s Edge Park for camping Sept. 8–14, 2026; organizer Craig Church said the event is growing and that “they baptized 201 last year.” County Manager John Yates was authorized to sign the agreement.
The Wilkes County Board of Commissioners voted Feb. 10 to approve a one‑year Management Agreement with Craig Church Ministries that allows FaithFest to use county facilities at River’s Edge Park for camping during the event set for Sept. 8–14, 2026. Commissioner Shirley Randleman moved to approve the agreement and gave County Manager John Yates authority to sign it; the motion passed unanimously.
County Attorney Tony Triplett presented the agreement and described it as the same annual arrangement the county executes for FaithFest and Merlefest. Craig Church, representing Craig Church Ministries, told the board the event is expanding — “they baptized 201 last year” — and said organizers plan to back the stage up to fit more attendees and possibly add a second food village. He also noted a related Southern Gospel concert on March 12 at the Walker Center that will partner with Ebenezer Christian Children’s Home.
The board did not attach conditions to the approval; the motion specifically authorized the county manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the county. The vote was recorded as unanimous.
