A celebration of family-friendly fun, faith and fellowship is coming back to Marathon Community Park this weekend, with the annual Joy on the Rock Festival on Saturday, Nov. 8 from noon to 6 p.m.
Entry is free for the day, set to feature live Christian music, food, vendors, axe throwing, bounce houses and crafts.
Local eats and dozens of nonprofit booths will fill the park for an event that welcomes both believers and nonbelievers to enjoy activities and raise awareness of local ministries and support organizations throughout the Keys. Joy on the Rock is spearheaded by Marathon-based New Life Church in collaboration with 12 other churches throughout the island chain, and its presence has grown every year since its inception.
A musical lineup includes the 5th Street Baptist Church Band, the Keys Vineyard Church Band and Keys United Worship Band along with Melanie Waldman, Jamie Kimmett, Brent Taylor and headliner Sanctus Real. Formed in Toledo, Ohio in 1996, the Christian rock band has released five albums since 2002, logging multiple No. 1 hits on Christian radio stations and two Grammy nominations.
Activities for kids will also include a Zorb ball challenge, Ninja Meltdown, a rock wall and face painting. International Christian speaker and author Bob Lenz will serve as Saturday’s keynote speaker.
More information is at nlkeys.church/joy-on-the-rock-family-festival.
