Posted on Oct 03, 2009 - 04:40 AM

Teens, Families Flock to Christian Block Party

By Lenore McKenzie-Morris

Christian rock fans took to the street last Saturday evening in Myrtle Beach, dancing as nationally known recording artists performed on stage during Ground Zero's block party.

The Myrtle Beach-based Christian outreach program for teenagers received coverage on K-LOVE's radio broadcast network and invited youth groups from area churches. Organizers knew the event would draw a crowd but were still surprised by the initial strength of the turnout.

"We were expecting a good turnout because of the recording artists and the area and because it's all outside as a block party," said Gary Wadsten, a Ground Zero board member. "I wasn't expecting this large of a turnout so early in the evening."

Families were streaming in from the nearby Pavilion parking garage to the 9th Avenue area of the superblock where police had the street blocked off to traffic. An acrobatic BMX bicycle demonstration had drawn hundreds of spectators to the end of the street near U.S. 17 Business just after Kimber Rising finished playing on stage at the opposite end of the street.

The crowd migrated between the two locations and off to the side parking lot behind First United Methodist Church. T-shirt and CD sales for the recording artists, a K-LOVE booth and several drink vendors kept the crowd moving until Building 429 took to the stage at 6:30 p.m.

Many of those attending the block party said they were there to see Todd Agnew take the stage later that evening.

Kimi Schuhle of Beaver Dam, Virginia heard about the concert while visiting Myrtle Beach. Her 14-year-old son Jacob asked if they could go to the block party to hear Agnew play. So Schuhle packed her family - 2-year-old Olivia, 4-year-old Eliana, 7-year-old Aaron, 9-year-old Ben and Jacob - into the car and drove down into the heart of Myrtle Beach.

The three recording artists' groups are on a tour dubbed "The Promise Remains" with ticket sales throughout the country from September to October. Ground Zero and its sponsors brought the bands to Myrtle Beach with no admission charges for the block party.

Fans were clearly delighted with this approach to a concert venue as the street filled with bouncing, cheering young people raising their hands in testimony as the bands performed their faith-affirming songs. Rows of chairs lined the street behind the standing area as older fans relaxed to enjoy the music and more people lined the sidewalks.

Ground Zero's plans to renovate existing buildings on Ninth Avenue North were posted on a nearby storefront window. The ministry hopes to build a facility with a stage and multi-purpose room, a grill and dining area, a library, game room and offices in Myrtle Beach.

"Ground Zero is a ministry that targets teenagers," Wadsten said. "We have representatives in the schools. My son, for instance, is a student leader at Socastee High School. And we work with youth groups of area churches. Our mission is to get kids connected with Christ."

Candy Allen, a local resident, said she heard about the concert on K-LOVE and received information about it at church.

"These two definitely wanted to come," she said, pointing to her 18-year-old daughter Casey and 13-year-old son Tristan. "We don't ever come to this part of town, but we're enjoying it. We listen to K-LOVE and we enjoy the bands. They've seen them all before."

Allen, who had a total of four teenagers in tow during the event, was all smiles.

Ground Zero has a full schedule for the year ahead: