Emily Mayne had a vision of people praising the Lord at Festival Park.

She believes it’s important to profess love for Jesus outside of church walls, sometimes. People of all denominations and backgrounds can freely pray together in the open space. But, Maynes does not take credit for PraiseFest, the outdoor event sparked by her persistent vision.

“It was God’s idea. He just gave it to me,” she said. “I can assure you I was not sitting around thinking of it.”

With a team of people supporting her, Maynes organized the first PraiseFest last year.

“Our first was such a blast,” she said.

This year promises to be the same.

Radiant Soles, the Wilmington Global River Praise Band and the River City Praise Band will provide live music for the event and Tom Hauser of Global River Church will be the guest speaker. Maynes said to expect moving testimonies and baptisms.

“And we baptized six people last year,” she said.

One person saw a poster for the event hanging in a dentist office and told Maynes she wanted to be baptized at PraiseFest.  Maynes did not know how she would pull it off, but everything came together.

This year, a boat at PraiseFest will carry out anyone interested in being baptized in the Pamlico River.

“I think people should come because it’s a really great spirit–filled time. It’s fun to come just meet other people and give praise to the Lord as a region,” Mayne said. “The main reason people should attend is because it’s a party for God. And God has really great parties.”

Maynes pegged PraiseFest as a regional event. She said all are welcome and has already heard from ministry groups from New Bern, Greenville and Wilmington who plan to be there.

“What I really like about it is it’s a great way for the body of Christ to come together in unity. It’s not necessarily a denominational thing,” Maynes said. “In fact, the only banner we would allow to be hanged says ‘One body, one head. We’re just trying to profess our love for Jesus as one body.’”

PraiseFest 2013 will be held at Festival Park Saturday, June 22, from 1 to 5:30 p.m.  The free event will take place, rain or shine.

“We provide prayer,” Mayne said. “But we ask you to bring your own chairs.”