Forest Park, Ohio – After a five-year hiatus, the City of Forest Park brought back its beloved Gospel Fest on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, filling Red Door Church with an evening of music, worship, and fellowship. From 5 to 7 p.m., more than 100 attendees joined together in person and online to celebrate the return of this uplifting tradition.

Sponsored by the City of Forest Park and hosted by Red Door Church, the event showcased an impressive lineup of local gospel talent. Performers included Brother Jay, Michael Young, the Forest Park Senior Choir, Lady A Ward, Chosen Generation, and Linda Young. Serving as master of ceremonies was DJ Hilla Smooth, who guided the audience through an evening of heartfelt praise and powerful performances.

Linda Young, a member of the Forest Park Senior Choir, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform for the first time at Gospel Fest. “It’s a privilege to be a part of the choir,” Young said. “We encourage the people in the worship and are grateful to be a part of this event.” The senior choir performed a stirring rendition of God Is by Rev. James Cleveland, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd.

Chosen Generation energized the audience with a powerful praise set that had attendees clapping, standing, and singing along. The diverse lineup reflected the festival’s mission to unite the community through music and faith, offering a blend of traditional gospel sounds and contemporary expressions of praise.

For residents who could not attend in person, the event was broadcast live on Spectrum Channel 979, Altafiber Channel 850, and streamed online at waycross.tv/forestpark, allowing viewers across the region to join in the celebration.

Jay Dennis, one of the event organizers, shared the significance of the festival’s return. “Gospel Fest was special to Forest Park. Up until COVID, everyone would come together once a year to celebrate. COVID ended that, and we haven’t had it in the last five years,” Dennis said. “We brought it back, and the response has been phenomenal. Everything came together perfectly—the performers, the location, the volunteers. It’s been an amazing, spiritual night.”

City Manager Don Jones echoed the excitement, emphasizing the importance of faith-based events in the community. “It’s a great event, and we’re glad to have it back here in Forest Park,” Jones said. “There’s a lot of faith and great talent in our community. Gospel Fest gives us an opportunity to showcase that talent and celebrate together. We’re committed to making this an annual tradition and growing it even bigger in the years to come.”

Jermaine Hill, another participant, highlighted the sense of purpose behind the gathering. “I’m glad people were able to take time out of their schedule to worship today,” Hill said. “They came to church to celebrate God and support one another. God is great.”

The City of Forest Park plans to keep residents informed of future events through its website, forestpark.org, as well as its Facebook and Instagram pages. Past performances and city events are also available on Waycross Media’s YouTube channel.

The return of Gospel Fest not only revived a cherished tradition but also strengthened bonds within the Forest Park community. With music that uplifts and messages that inspire, the evening reminded attendees of the enduring power of faith, fellowship, and shared celebration.

Performers including Chosen Generation inspired more than 100 attendees during the return of Gospel Fest on Sept. 20, 2025, at Red Door Church in Forest Park, Ohio.