This year's event was held September 9-14 in Louisville at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center.

Each night features a 6 hour concert in Freedom Hall where the top Southern Gospel groups perform mini-concerts one after the other. On Thursday evening, "The Singing News Fan Awards Show" takes up the first 2-3 hours. It is always a highlight of the week.

There were many memorable moments at this year's event. One of the fans favorite moments came while the Speer Family was on stage singing "Didn't it Rain!" After the first verse, the Dove Brothers joined them on stage and sang the second verse and then they sang together alternating parts and bringing the house down! The Speer ladies proved that McCray Dove is not the only one that knows how to move!

Each year, there is a huge Exhibit Hall where hundreds of top Southern Gospel groups set up their booths for meeting and greeting fans and displaying their merchandise and projects. There are daytime events and showcases available each day as well. This year, Donna and I decided to go on a Southern Gospel Riverboat cruise organized by Templeton Tours. It was fantastic! You can see our report with pictures at the bottom of this page.

We also attended "Lunch with Ernie" which is hosted by Ernie Haase for the enjoyment of members of his E-Team, friends and family each year. This year had special significance as Ernie and Garry Jones introduced their new quartet members for the first time. We have a report on the luncheon at the bottom of this page.