HUMBOLDT — A call for volunteers did more than give the upcoming Biblesta celebration a boost, committee member Pastor Jerry Neeley said.
The infusion of new helpers, particularly younger ones, should be sufficient to keep the annual festival alive with activity for years to come.
Neeley voiced concerns earlier this year that as the Biblesta Committee members grew older and the group smaller, putting together the nation’s only Bible-themed celebration may become too overwhelming.
Some suggested that without new helpers, it might be advisable to do away with Biblesta altogether.
That was all it took for several newcomers to step to the fore.
Even better, the newcomers are helping with organizational duties to give them a leg up on future celebrations.
“They’ll be better prepared for next year,” Neeley predicted.
ONE immediate byproduct of the larger committee, which essentially doubled from six to 12 members, is the return of the Run For the Son, a 5K run or fun walk that kicks off the day’s activities at 8 a.m. (Registration begins at 7).
An assortment of gospel performers foretells a day filled with wondrous music.
Moran’s Lloyd Houk opens the music portion on the free stage near the downtown bandstand at 10 a.m., followed at 11 o’clock by Jey Mbiro, who escaped a life of poverty in Kenya to enter the ministry as a DJ.
Chris Rademaker and wife Jodi King, who comprise the Canadian contemporary Christian duo Love & the Outcome, take the stage at 11:45.
THE parade commences at 1:30 p.m. Included with a number of floats and entries — all based on Scripture — are at least three high school bands, Humboldt, Marmaton Valley and Oswego. American Legion Riders also will be a part of the festivities.
The focus shifts back to the music stage at 2:15, where the Lack Family, headlined by parents Scott and Paula Lack and their children, will perform contemporary Christian music.
Matt Kleopfer, a former Iola High School band instructor, and his family — they perform under the name Harmony Hill — will take the stage at 4:15.
A free bean feed follows at 5 o’clock.
The 2025 celebration ends with Biblesta After Dark, a youth rally open to worshippers of all ages and denominations at 7.
