The MTS Centre was transformed into a giant worship hall Friday night as thousands of Manitobans flocked to the Franklin Graham Festival. A crowd of more than 12,500 packed into the downtown arena -- leaving very few seats up for grabs just minutes before the scheduled 7 p.m.
start -- for the inspirational, musical event. The Christian celebration, hosted by the son of famous evangelist Billy Graham and featuring Canadian country music star Paul Brandt, was free and open to the public. Indeed, the unique event created quite a buzz.
.. for many reasons.
"We believe in what he says -- all the way," said Jake Froese, who attended with his wife, Tina, both strong followers of Franklin Graham. "We hear him on the radio. "You look around and the world is not quite the way that he envisions, and I agree with the kind of world that he is trying to produce.
" The festival continues Saturday and Sunday, with Christian musical performers Michael W. Smith, Rebecca St. James and Newsboys on the slate.
The festival attracted people of all ages. Melinda Doerksen, 14, of Niverville, donning a straw cowboy hat and jeans, said she had plenty of motivation for attending.
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