atlantafest

Taking the youth group to Atlantafest, a Christian music festival held at Stone Mountain Park was a lot of fun… even when our fuel pump died in the hotel parking lot, just as we were loading in to head to lunch.  God gave us a hand by hiding the Chik-fil-A we were going to stop at on our way to the hotel (so we didn’t get stuck there); putting a Goodyear repair shop 2 doors down; keeping our other vehicle, an 8 passenger van in good working order; helping everyone remain patient; etc etc etc.

The bands were awesome, and the youth were almost always perfectly behaved.  What more can you expect from a bunch of teenagers, am I right?  We headed straight to the park after getting the van limped over to the repair shop, and enjoyed worship led by Fee, a new-to-us band who was awesome.  Then we were properly introduced to Leeland, who have taken the title of “MY NEW SECOND-FAVORITE BAND.”  Any guess of who’s my FIRST FAVORITE BAND?   I believe I’ve mentioned this before.  The night was capped off by Skillet, who aren’t always my thing – but at least the guy was sparkly. 

Day 2 we refined our routine and ate lunch before heading to the park.  We pulled up and were loading our chairs, cooler, and other flotsam in our arms when I heard the unmistakable dulcet tones of Mr. Marc Martel of my favorite band Downhere (duh) as they took care of their sound check.  They, too, had been cursed with van and trailer troubles and were probably exhausted, but you’d never know it.  We met up with them at their merch table before their praise and worship set, for as soon as they were done playing, they had to head to the airport and fly out west for a week or so.  I acted maturely and was able to make conversation instead of feeling like a total moron.  I’m sure you’re proud.

That night we were treated to a 90 minute kick drum solo set from Kutless.  I was rather confused by the lead singer’s choice of tight pants, long sleeve white button-down, and leather jacket, given the fact that it was SO SO SO HOT.  [as an aside, I waited each day to see which performer or speaker would use the names “Hot-lanta” and/or “ATL” – oh, I was not disappointed.]  At least some of us had fun dancing!

Day three we perfected our process, and found the place to where the shade would arrive first but would still give us a good view of the stage and screen.  It was great – we enjoyed each other’s company and the music.  The highlight of this evening was Family Force 5 – they are always so much fun.  And their attire was the SUPREME WIN of the whole weekend:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In case you’re having trouble catching that – they’re wearing denim knee-length shorts, white wife-beaters, mesh wife-beaters, gold belts, and golden football pads (also gold sparkly high-tops).  It was awesome.  The night ended with an incredible show by Casting Crowns, complete with candle-light.

I had a blast with the kids – who knew J could fit her entire fist into her mouth?  And guess what?  In 3 weeks we get to do it all over again!