COTTAGEVILLE — The 22nd Bend Area Gospel Jubilee is under way at the Jackson County Fairgrounds and will continue through the rest of the week.

Beginning on Monday evening with a potluck supper, the Bend Area Gospel Jubilee has no doubt become a favorite among locals. With free admission on a nightly basis, musical performances will begin at 5 p.m., with the exception of Saturday June 9, when it will begin at 3 p.m.

On Tuesday, June 5, There will be performances from the following groups and individuals:

Borrowed Time, Wade Spencer, New Southern Harmony, Samaritans, John and Wilma Kid, New Generation, and a special session of singing and musical instruments presented by Arlings Barnes and Friends, Golden Street Singers and Tignors.

On Wednesday, June 6, there will be performances and presentations from the following: Adam Roush, Arling Barnes Quartet, Truth and Life Ministry Singers, Paul and Mary Nichols, Williams Family, David Bowen Family, New Song, New Covenant and Ron Shamblin.

Also on Tuesday and Wednesday evening, there will be “Tag Preaching,” which consists of various area preachers who will each share a 10 minute sermon, beginning around 6:45 p.m. each night. Those participating in the “Tag Preaching” will be Darren Ellis, Jimmy Jordan, Junior Conger, Randy Parson, Mike Finnicum, Leland Vanmeter, Marco Pitt, Huling Green, Jordan Decker, John Dolly, Ron Shamblin and Charlie Cundiff.

On Thursday, June 7, there will be performances and presentations from the following: Miller Family, Rollins Family, Taylor Brothers, Christ Unlimited, New City Singers, Roush Family, Day Spring, Tommy Griffith, The Browders, John and Shirley Cramer, Huffman Family and the Builders.

On Friday, June 8, there will be performances and presentations from the following: Randy Carbaugh, Borrowed Time, Violet Maynard Family, Covered By Love, Anointed, Browders, Roush Family, Narrow Way Primitive Quartet, New Calvary Echoes, Light of Grace and Dave Seratty.

On Saturday, June 9, there will be performances and presentations from the following: Youth in Gospel Music, Nancy Jo and Larry Kidd, Forever Blessed, Jacobs Ladder, Billy Fields, Anointed, Mike Upright and The Browders. Also on Saturday night, there will be a memorial service to honor William (Bunt) Arthur, a singer for the Builders Quartet who recently passed away, as well as a spiritual jamming and singing to close out the jubilee.

Also on June 9, there will be an auction beginning at 10 a.m. Attendees may donate items to be auctioned off, and the proceeds will go to help support the Jubilee.

It was reported this ministry began in 1983 with bi-monthly sings and now has grown to a full week long event, the first jubilee taking place in 1990. Prior to holding the event in Cottageville, it was also reported the Jubilee took place at the Mason County Fairgrounds, as well as the West Virginia State Farm Museum.

“Following the call on my life has brought so much joy as well as meeting some of the finest people on this great planet,” said event promoter Evelyn Roush.

Roush went on to say the year leading up to the jubilee takes a lot prayer, and a great amount of work reserving all of the performing artists by telephone and hand written invitations. Roush also stated the event wouldn’t be what it is today without the numerous volunteers who help out with the jubilee.

“During the year, fundraising events are held such as spaghetti suppers, pancake breakfasts, hot dog, soup and homemade noodle sales, along with groups donating their time in benefit gospel sings and other events,” Roush said. “It all requires dedication and hard work by those involved.

The Jackson County Fairground have been reported as the best place for the Jubilee in recent years due to the campground facilities and the shelter arrangements to protect spectators from any inclement weather. The camping spaces are available for $15 a day, and are on a first come first serve basis. There will also be concessions provided by the Gospel Lighthouse Church from Point Pleasant.