Magic Springs 'Celebrates the World' in 2012 | Arts & Culture

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (Feb. 20, 2012) – Magic Springs Water and Theme Park made a major announcement before thousands of concert-goers at Sunday night’s Winter Jam, Christian music’s largest annual tour, held at the Verizon Arena.  Park representatives told the crowd Magic Springs will expand its Christian entertainment offerings in the 2012 season with a new special event, “Celebrate The Word,” a multi-weekend festival spread through the Summer.

“Our Christian music weekends are very popular. We want to build upon that to bring our families more of the entertainment they desire, in the kind of environment they want,” said Steve Honeycutt, the park’s General Manager.

“Celebrate The Word” kicks off Saturday, June 9th with the award-winning, multi-platinum-selling band Third Day. Then, on Sunday, June 10, Kevin Downes, co-star of the 2011 Sherwood Pictures film "Courageous", and producer of the 2010 film "Like Dandelion Dust" will deliver an inspirational message, followed by a performance by Brandon Heath, 2012 Grammy nominee for best contemporary Christian album.

“Celebrate The Word” continues July 14, with Switchfoot taking the stage on Saturday night, then on Sunday, Evangelist entertainer Brock Gill will amaze the audience with his unique display of wit, humor and unbelievable escapes, followed by the band Tenth Avenue North, who brings its mission of “making Christ known” to the Magic Springs stage.

To wrap up the spectacular summer event, Saturday, August 11th, “Celebrate The Word” will feature Newsboys in an unforgettable show. On Sunday, the founder of Redeemed Girl Ministries, internationally acclaimed speaker, author and life guide for “every girl” in today’s society, Marian Jordan, delivers her special message to every woman and girl in the audience, followed by a musical performance from Point of Grace, a group originally formed at Ouachita Baptist University nearly 20 years ago, known for their signature chill-inducing harmonies, choruses and powerful lyrics that capture life’s simple, vital messages.

Area Christian bands will also have the opportunity to get involved with “Celebrate the Word,” as the park will hold a “Battle of the Bands” competition in which interested musicians may submit their entry online.  Details on the competition will be shared in coming weeks via MagicSprings.com and the event’s Facebook page “Magic Springs Celebrate The Word.”

“All three weekends of ‘Celebrate The Word’ as well as 14 other shows in the Pepsi Concert Series are included with a 2012 Season Pass,” says Honeycutt.

Honeycutt also says the park plans to open the 10th Season of the popular concert series May 6 with three Sunday Gospel music performances in its new “Praize Sundays” event.  Performers for those shows will be announced soon.

For all of these events, special group rates of 15 or more are available by pre-registering your group when you call the park at 501.318.5370.