Fun In The Son gospel festival returns for another exciting staging on October 15 at the Pembroke Hall High School in St Andrew.

Tommy Cowan, co-conceptualiser of the event, says this year promises to be memorable.

“We are still feeling the effects of being locked down for over two years and Fun In The Son this year will be an uplifting, happy, joyful place to be. Come and fellowship with others while getting your health checked and have some fun with your families. Admission is free,” he said.

The event will feature American minister Donnie McClurkin with the word, as well as Kevin Downswell, Carlene Davis, Goddy Goddy, Rhoda Isabella, and Isaiah Raymond. Nadine Blair will act as the master of ceremonies, alongside Sounds of Perpetual Praise.

This isn’t the first time Pastor McClurkin is collaborating with the Cowans. Besides ministering at this year’s staging of Fun In The Son (FITS), he will be extending a helping hand to those in need.

“Pastor Donnie McClurkin first participated in FITS in the capacity of an artiste in 2016. We have known him from previous engagements and Donnie has become a part of Fun In The Son, Glory Music, and the extended Cowan family. We have spent time at his church in New York, he has participated in Fun In The Son Bronx, and we have developed a true friendship over the years. This year, Pastor Donnie and his church, Perfecting Faith Church, are doing outreach in Ocho Rios and Montego Bay and are offering medical and dental services at Fun In The Son,” Cowan explained.

The American minister has a busy itinerary that sees him and his team beginning at the Montego Bay New Testament Church of God on October 11 with a health fair between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, followed by a Pastors and Leaders’ Impartation Service from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. On October 12, the team heads to the Ocho Rios Clock Tower for an Open Air Evangelistic Service between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm. The following day, they will be at the Callaloo Mews Basic School/Eastwood Park Road New Testament Church of God for medical screenings and another Pastors and Leaders’ Impartation Service. Following their contribution at Fun In The Son on the 15th, Pastor Donnie and team will be headed to the Mandeville New Testament Church of God on the 16th for a Pastors and Leaders’ Impartation Service between 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm.

Fun In The Son — which started in 2002 in Ocho Rios, St Ann — is one of several gospel events he has staged with support from Jamaica Broilers Group.

Like most other events, the event was affected negatively by the onslaught of the novel coronavirus pandemic. However, the organisers have remained optimistic about resuming the momentum that patrons are used to.

“The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Fun In The Son is similar to other public events in that we were not able to hold the event. We were, however, able to work differently, working with schools on devotions, with churches to provide their parishioners food bags, and supporting other ministries. The pandemic has given us the opportunity to examine what we did in previous years and adjust how the festival will be presented going forward, and this new decade is a great time to evolve further. Talk about great timing,” Cowan added.

Besides the high-quality entertainment, there will be several other attractions for attendees throughout the day that are geared toward their holistic development.

“Fun In The Son’s Community Engagement focuses all the aspects of a traditional staging on a specific community. This year, at the request of members of the community, we will be focused on Pembroke Hall. The public is invited to join us for not only the concert but to also have: dental and medical check-ups and procedures where possible; learn more about the JCF and join; participate in Jamaica Moves sessions; along with our usual Kiddies Zone, sports activities, and receive prayer and counselling,” Cowan added.