Northwest Ohio Praise Fest features an afternoon and early evening of praise and worship music with a 5 p.m. Youth Concert featuring nationally charting recording artist Matt Sussano. Sussano brings a style of worship redefining rock for “the defiant”–those who refuse to let challenges or labels define them. His breakout anthem “Not In My Name,” released in 2021, spent 16 weeks at #1 on Christian rock charts.

The festival kicks off at noon with praise and worship music from six area bands including: the Wissolik Sisters, Not Ourselves, Rich and Jaden Henry, Just Us, Latter Rain and Armour of God. Also at noon is a chicken barbeque dinner present by the Deshler Fire Department. Food trucks will also be on hand throughout the festival. There will also be a classic car cruise in, starting at 1 p.m., featuring the River City Rodders.

The youth concert, featuring Matt Sassano, begins at 5 p.m. with DJ Kenny Boyd of Salt ‘n Light Sound filling in music and testimony. Preceding Sassano will be the music and testimony of Fight The Darkness Ministries, featuring Aaron and Amanda Rule.

Throughout the afternoon there will be children’s activities including bounce houses and games. Area service organizations will also be on hand presenting information about their services. The festival is being held at Deshler Village Park and is free and open to the public. Attendees should bring their own lawn chairs so as to set up where they choose to enjoy the day’s activities.