Son’s Light Ministries will host its 11th annual High Country Praise Festival Sunday, Sept. 2 at the Holmes Convocation Center.

A variety of Christian artists will perform — some outdoors, weather permitting. Louisiana-based traveling evangelist Eddie Briery, former student All-American wrestler Austin Trotman and Betsy Bolick of Small Enough Ministries will speak.

Admit-1, the winner of last year’s “Stars in His Crown” Christian Talent Search, will also join the lineup. The talent search takes place every year, the weekend before the festival.

The day before, Son’s Light will host the Son Run RAT Race 5k. The race starts at the Greenway Trail at the Watauga Recreation Center at 9 a.m.

Both events are open to people of all creeds.

“We want young people to join us for a weekend of Christian fellowship and worship through a variety of activities,” said David Ward, Son’s Light’s executive director. “We’re a Christian service organization, but we’re open to everyone.”

Son’s Light is headquartered at Son’s Light Coffee House on 174 Boone Heights Drive, where every Saturday night there is worship and, in the summer, a musical fellowship event.

Though the organization is centrally located off campus, many Appalachian students are involved.

Cam Haas, sophomore music industries major, performed last year too.

“I’m hoping for an even larger turnout than last time,” Haas said.”The patio was packed last time, and I hope it’s even more full this year.”

Tickets are $5. The outdoor concert and inflatables start at 2 p.m. Saturday. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. for the indoor event, which will run from 4 to 8 p.m. To purchase tickets, call the Holmes Center Box Office at 828-264-2007 or visit the Holmes Center website.

Story: EMMA SPECKMAN, Intern A&E Reporter