News Release
For Release: Tuesday, June 9
Contact: Frank Baraff 914-962-4630

Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. announces Pre-Fathers Day Gospelfest.
Saturday, June 20.
 
Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. announced today that on Saturday June 20, 2009 from 2pm until 5pm the City of Orange Township will present the Annual Pre-Fathers Day Gospelfest in Monte Irvin Orange Park, Oakwood and Central Avenues.  
 
The gospel music celebration will commemorate the 8th Anniversary of the High Class Theater Group.  The High Class Theater Group is a senior citizen dance group from Orange. News 12 NJ recently praised and highlighted the group for its performances at civic events, holiday festivals, and senior citizen facilities.
 
Mayor Hawkins stated “In addition to honoring the High Class Theater Group, the Gospelfest gives us an opportunity to bring local choirs and gospel performers together for a day to celebrate gospel music. I urge residents of Orange and our neighboring towns to come and enjoy this wonderful celebration.”
 
The concert will feature the best of Gospel music through liturgical dance, singing, and Christian Rap. Deacon Vincent Freeman, a distinguished vocalist from New Eden Baptist Church, Newark, N.J. will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Food vendors will provide refreshments.
 
This year’s special guests include Dr. Albert J. Lewis, Jr., CEO and founder of the World Gospel and Music Association (WGMA), along with Senior Chorale Community Ensemble.  Pamela Taylor, Supervisor of the Office of Older Adults stated, “ with the economic challenges that face most of our citizens what better time to enjoy an afternoon of uplifting singing and dancing”. Campanella Godfrey, Coordinator of Cultural Affairs stated, “We are proud to present the Gospelfest, one in a series of concerts and celebrations that will be held in Orange this summer.”
 
The event this year is sponsored by Mayor Hawkins; the Orange Municipal Council; the Department of Community Services, Division of Cultural Affairs; the Office of Older Adult Services; and the Essex County Parks and Recreation Department.

The organizers of the event are Campanella Godfrey, Coordinator of Cultural Affairs and Pamela Taylor, Coordinator of Older Adults. For more information call 973-266-4049.