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The 89th Annual ‘Singing on the Mountain’ in MacRae Meadows at Grandfather Mountain Is June 23

Photo submitted
Photo submitted

May 13, 2013. Sunday, June 23, 2013 will mark the 89th annual “Singing on the Mountain” in MacRae Meadows at Grandfather Mountain near Linville. Founded in 1924 as a Sunday School Picnic and Family Gathering by Joe Hartley from Linville, the event is one of the largest and longest running events in the South. Featuring the nation’s top gospel and bluegrass gospel groups, past performers have also included such stars as Johnny Cash, Bob Hope, Boots Randolph and other top performers.

This year’s event, hosted by Tim Greene of “The Greenes”, will feature The Chuck Wagon Gang, John’s River Quartet, Michael Combs, Terry Warren, The Cockman Family, Ernie Couch and Revival, Patricia Smith of Abundance Ministries, The Gospel Enforcers and The Greenes. The guest speaker will be Will Graham, grandson of past guest speaker Billy Graham and the son of Franklin Graham.  The singing will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the message by Will Graham around 11:00 a.m.

This year will not only be the first appearance for John’s River Quartet but somewhat of a “Homecoming” as well! Founder Joe Hartley is the great uncle and great, great uncle of the quartet members. “

We are very excited about singing at this event. It has been a big part of our family and history. We are honored to carry on the family tradition”, says quartet member Ernie Penley.

The event is free to the public and camping without hookups on a first come basis will be available from June 16-24.  Food and merchandise vendors will also be available. Be sure to bring your lawn chair. For more information about Grandfather Mountain and the event visit www.grandfather.com or call 800-468-7325.

As Joe Hartley always said, “Whosoever will may come.”