As spring starts to seep into the veins of Western Canadians and we see new hope on the horizon after a long winter, we begin to think about camps, special events, and opportunities for some great gospel music. The Deer Valley Meadows Gospel Music Weekend is just one of those opportunities that I’ve had the privilege of experiencing for myself.
This event, which started over 40 years ago as a weekend of Cowboy Poetry and music, has transformed into a beloved Gospel Music weekend held at the beautiful Deer Valley Meadows Bible Camp in Alex, Alberta. In 2005, the well-loved Alberta quartet Potter’s Clay took over running this weekend, bringing a mix of gospel music, family camping, and sweet fellowship.
Today, the event is run by the Fehr Family Band, a gospel/bluegrass family from the Edmonton, Alberta area. I had the chance to ask James Fehr, patriarch of the family, about their involvement with this special event:
When did the Fehr Family become involved in leading the weekend, and how have you seen it grow or evolve over the years?
“Our family was invited to be one of the musical artists in 2019 and we were very impressed with the venue, how well organized the event was, the enthusiasm and support of the people who attended, and most of all the spiritual quality of the concerts. When Potter’s Clay decided to retire as a quartet and were thinking of winding down the event after 2022, our family asked if we could volunteer with the hope of helping to keep it running. That turned into the baton being passed on to us and we took over the management.
Over the years, it has grown from a music festival featuring mostly local groups to inviting artists from all across western Canada, and some well-known southern gospel groups from the U.S.”
What kind of attendance do you typically see, and how would you describe the overall feel or atmosphere of the weekend?
“We typically see 500-600 people attend each year, many of whom are staying for the whole weekend in their RVs or using cabins or rooms at the camp. Others come just for a day to enjoy the concerts. People enjoy relaxing in the park-like setting, the friendly fellowship around the meals, and soaking in worshipful, sincere, and entertaining music. Our emcees also bring some comedy and laughter. We’re encouraged that so many people come away knowing they encountered God.
Beyond the event itself, what really stands out is the family behind it.”
As a father and leader, what has it meant to build a music ministry alongside your family?
“It has been deeply fulfilling to serve the Lord through music as a family, especially since each member is passionate about doing it together. It’s been a wonderful opportunity to learn to work together, to care for one another, and to challenge each other to grow. There’s a lot of work involved as we practice, organize and prepare, but we’re so blessed by the result that we have more than enough motivation to continue. As I’m singing and playing instruments with my wife and kids, I often have to pinch myself as I feel so incredibly blessed that we get to do this. As we’re faithful to serve in small ways, God brings us more opportunities, and it’s been exciting to see how He has led us.”
What has been one of the most rewarding moments you’ve experienced as a family group?
“It’s hard to narrow down to just one, but one of the most special moments we’ve had as a family was when our first time running the Deer Valley Meadows event was coming to a close. We looked around and realized that with God’s help, we and our volunteers had done it! We were so encouraged and even surprised with how smoothly everything went, humbled and gratified knowing that God had blessed our efforts.”
Do you feel Canadian gospel artists face different challenges or opportunities than those in the U.S.?
“Southern gospel music is not quite as widely accepted in Canada as it is in parts of America so it can be a challenge finding as many opportunities and getting radio plays. But that makes us all the more grateful for the venues and radio stations that still help to promote this kind of music. We do have some great gospel music festivals in western Canada, although fewer than there used to be.”
What role do you hope your family—and this event—plays in growing gospel music here in Canada?
“There are so many people looking for opportunities to enjoy gospel music, the old hymns, and family-based artists, and we want to help keep this music alive and well. We also hope to promote and inspire up-and-coming gospel artists and family bands and provide more opportunities to showcase their music. The biggest annual southern gospel event in Alberta came to an end during the pandemic, and we’re hoping to help fill that gap and see more Canadian gospel music festivals begin as people see how much of an appetite there still is for this kind of music.”
What are your hopes for the future of the Deer Valley Meadows Gospel Music Weekend?
“Lord-willing, we want to continue this event for many more years. We love promoting quality gospel music, and we hope to bring in more musical artists from further away to participate while keeping the heart and soul of this event consistent and faithful to its roots.”
We so appreciate the work of the Fehr Family Band in keeping gospel music alive and well in Western Canada. It’s a passion we share here at Faith Family Concerts—and with so many others across Canada—as we seek to see this music continue to thrive through events that inspire, challenge, and move people closer to the Lord.
For more information on this event, go to dvmgospelmusic.com, and for details on other events, go to the Faith Family Concerts Facebook page or faithfamilyconcerts.com.
