For more than two decades, July in Western Canada was my favorite time of year, especially Thursday through Saturday during the second or third week of July in Red Deer, Alberta. Those three days marked the annual gathering of Canada’s Gospel Music Celebration, a time filled with laughter, fellowship, tears, and a fresh, powerful sense of the Lord’s presence.
The story began July 15–17, 1999, when the folks from the National Quartet Convention brought the Canadian Gospel Quartet Convention to Red Deer. They managed the event for its first seven years, laying a foundation that would impact gospel music fans across Canada.
The inaugural year featured an incredible lineup, including Crossroads New Revival, Kingsmen Quartet of Canada, Ed Enoch and Golden Covenant, Dixie Melody Boys, Torchmen, Young Street Vocal Band, Sweet Presence, Florida Boys, Kingsmen, The Cathedrals, Sonshine City, Potter’s Clay, the Kevin Quist Family, Crystal River, Melody Masters, The Nelons, The Hoppers, The Isaacs, Singing Hills, Double Portion, and The Couriers.
In 2006, the National Quartet Convention team passed the baton to Wayne Dyck and Gordie Reimer, who continued bringing this life-changing music to Central Alberta for several more years. Along the way, the event evolved briefly becoming the Canadian Gospel Music Fan Festival, before ultimately settling into the name many of us still remember: Canada’s Gospel Music Celebration.
Over its 21-year history, memories were made that still bring smiles and sometimes tears when shared. Here are just a few that stand out.
One year, a snowstorm hit during setup, right in the middle of July. While it only happened once, it certainly left some of our American friends wondering if this was “normal” for Western Canada.
In 2000, an F3 tornado passed over the Centrium Arena, where the event was being held, before touching down in a trailer park about 15 miles southeast of Red Deer. That devastating storm claimed 12 lives and injured more than 140 people. During the concert, a call went out for medical professionals to assist, an offering was taken for the local Red Cross, and Dr. Jerry Goff led the entire building in prayer for the victims and their families. It was a powerful reminder that gospel music gatherings are about far more than songs. It was a sacred moment of worship, unity, and trust in the Lord.
Another year brought an unexpected challenge at the border when immigration issues were encountered. As a result, several groups were unable to handle Canadian currency at their merchandise tables. A last-minute scramble led to Canadian volunteers stepping in to run artist booths. Although it was a challenge, it provided an amazing opportunity for many to get to know the artists personally and become friends.
The trade show halls were also filled with laughter and shenanigans. Artists played pranks on one another, putting up hilarious signs and pictures on each others’ backdrops, and even launched flying monkeys from table to table. And of course, no Canadian event would be complete without Tim Hortons coffee and Boston Cream donuts.
Many times, we witnessed artists visiting and praying with the attendees at their tables or in the aisles. They took time to listen, really listen, to stories and prayer requests. Those interactions left lasting impressions that reached far beyond the weekend.
For me, that became very personal in 2012, following the death of my husband. I experienced an overwhelming outpouring of love, hugs, tears, prayers, and support, from both artists and fellow attendees. This is a precious memory that I will always cherish.
When reminiscing with my sister, Sue Krawchuk, one of her favourite memories was of our dad, Les Goodberry, having the opportunity to share lunch with Roger Bennett (the Cathedrals) and listen to his brand-new quartet, Legacy Five, on a cassette Walkman. Dad was so excited to tell us about the experience that he didn’t fall asleep until 3:00 a.m. the next morning.
Each morning began with a chapel service in the trade show hall, featuring heartfelt preaching and worship led by one of the artists. As the event grew, these services eventually became standing-room-only, grounding all of us before the day began.
Many conventions closed with a big, upbeat finale, but for several years, the honor of closing the event fell to the Booth Brothers. Michael Booth had a remarkable gift for reading the room. Although known for his humour and spontaneity, in those final moments he became our pastor. He shared from his heart, encouraged and challenged us for what we would be facing when Monday came and we went back to our everyday lives, and led us through an incredible time of worship. Those were life-changing moments.
Canada’s Gospel Music Celebration was held for the final time July 10–12, 2019. When COVID-19 arrived the following year, the event was unable to return. Perhaps someday a new multi-day gospel gathering will once again take place in Western Canada.
What is certain is this: the legacy lives on. North of the 49th, we continue to support Canadian artists, welcome our friends from the United States, and carry forward the spirit of fellowship, faith, and gospel music that shaped a generation.
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