Message of tradition, hope shines through at Hills Alive Festival
Since 1985, the festival has highlighted some of the most noteworthy Christian bands.
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Christian bands and sunny day vibes — all part of the Hills Alive Festival that brought families from Rapid City and visitors from around the U.S.
Since 1985, the festival has highlighted some of the most noteworthy Christian bands.
“We like to grab the bands that are actually the best bands in the business,” said Jamie Johnson, the program director for the KSLT Radio Station. “If it’s in their schedule and they can come, we book them.”
Organizers are expecting around 60,000 people at Hills Alive.
But the atmosphere of the event doesn’t stop with the songs. Organizers say it brings people together, who have stories of hardship that provide hope.
“They can wander in from any direction and hear somebody with a story of hope, a message that there can be joy, that there can be light at the end of a tunnel and I think that’s what this is all about,” said Tim Stuen of KSLT.
Those in attendance are able to enjoy the music and a greater message.
It’s the first time for some, like Lauren McNabb of Indianapolis, Indiana, who came with her aunt, Barbara LaPlante of Eagle Butte, South Dakota.
“She’s been talking about it for so long, so I decided to come,” McNabb said.
Jon Harris and his family from Montana made the trip up to the Mount Rushmore state.
“You know, it finally worked out for everybody to come at the same time — have known about it for quite a while,” Harris said. “I just never made it down here. I’m pretty excited.”
But people like LaPlante haven’t missed the event in years — keeping a tradition and love of worship alive.
“So, I’ve been coming for 20-plus years — almost 30 — but with my own kids and youth group,” she said. “Everything here is like, perfect, you know.”
For the full list of times and events at Hills Alive, click here.
