Luis Palau to Speak Despite Rain; Festival Activities Cancelled
Downpours that have recurred since Thursday have left festival organizers no choice but to cancel activities and entertainment that were scheduled to start at noon. Main stage presentations, including concerts and Luis Palau's sermon, are confirmed
WASHINGTON – The streets of Washington, D.C., are closing today to make way for what is expected to be the largest religious rally on the National Mall since 1997. However, downpours that have recurred since Thursday have left organizers of the DC Festival with Luis Palau no choice but to cancel activities and entertainment that were scheduled to start at noon.
Skateboarders and bikes will not be rolling out to the wet skatepark this afternoon, and the VeggieTales Children's Area and Family Health Fair will not be open for youth and families to attend today.
Despite cancelled activities, the main acts of Christian music and the message of Jesus Christ are confirmed to go as planned. Main stage presentations, featuring musical artists and evangelist Luis Palau, are still a green light and will begin at 4:00 p.m.
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The two-day evangelical event that initially was anticipated to draw a crowd of 100,000 people each day is still set to bring people to Christ.
Churches, secular corporations and individuals have contributed to the festival's $3.4 million cost in support of the community event.
Whether some decide to stay indoors or step outside in the rain to enjoy the entertainment and hear the message of the gospel, the Luis Palau team members are getting their shoes wet to make a difference in even one person's life.
"Obviously, we're disappointed that these events, which have involved months of preparation and thousands of volunteers, have to be cancelled because of the rainstorms," commented Festival spokesman Craig Chastain. But Chastain added that "there will still be a great show from the Main Stage and Luis' message of hope."
Luis Palau welcomes everyone to attend the free outreach event that has been in the works for over two years. The festival program planned for Saturday and Sunday is to reach all ages and draw both churchgoers and the unchurched.
Top Christian artists performing today include Jaci Velasquez, Kutless, Kirk Franklin, tobyMac and Third Day.
Palau's gospel message and critical point of call will begin at 5:45 p.m., when attendants will be joined by churches across the nation, hosting local DC Festivals, through live broadcast.
The open area gathering, extending from Third Street NW to beyond Seventh Street NW, will continue tomorrow with a live radio broadcast.
