Most people attend the annual Denbigh Agricultural Show to see the finest in Jamaican livestock and produce. Others go to feast on the word of God.

The Hi-Pro Denbigh Gospel Extravaganza returns on August 6 at Denbigh Showground in Clarendon with Kevin Downswell, Goddy Goddy, and Carlene Davis as main acts.

Tommy Cowan, of Glory Music, is organiser for the event, which he credits for helping to revive the annual agricultural showpiece.

“Last year was our biggest to date, I thought we had at least 15,000 persons in the audience, conservatively. We began doing this event some 26 years ago intentionally to improve the sparse crowds that were at Denbigh. But, as time went by, it became more purposeful, especially with the role of Hi-Pro as the major sponsor, lifting the praises to God Almighty for provisions of the land, the farmers, and winning souls for the Kingdom of God. The audience became bigger, more receptive and worshipful,” he said in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

This year’s show features first-timers Petra Kaye, saxophonist Verlando Small, and Reverend Steve Hepburn with The Word.

According to Cowan, one key area separates ‘Extravaganza’ from other shows.

“Unlike other platforms, where you seek to find artistes who have new songs out, etc, God is always fresh and He is the focus of our presentation,” he said.

The Denbigh Agricultural Show was first held in 1952. It has been a stomping ground for everyone from genius cattle breeder T P Lecky to small farmers whose produce are sold in supermarkets and family-owned stores.

In 1996 there came a different aspect to the Denbigh expo with the gospel event’s début. It returned last year after a two-year break due to the effects of the novel coronavirus pandemic.