“The numbers were down this year but the quality of the performers was high,” organiser Pastor Ossie Cruse said.

Pastor Cruise said the concert at Jigamy on Saturday, January 13, was “beautiful” with 15 performances from South Coast and interstate musicians and singers. Pastor Cruse and his wife, Robin also performed a song together. 

“The Manton brothers all gave stunning performances,” Robin Cruse said. 

The country and western gospel event has been running for 40 years and provides people with the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing environment with good friends and great music.

“The reason the event started was, if you had a stressful year, you could come and camp and enjoy a restful environment,” Pastor Cruse said.

The concert event included a prize for the best dressed child. The Native American theme was popular this year, Pastor Cruse said. 

The event at Jigamy followed the Aboriginal Evangelical Fellowship’s national convention in Port Augusta that brought people together from all over Australia. This year six members of the Native American Baptist Fellowship also attended the convention to share their insights and teachings.

Pastor Cruse explained that there are many similarities between the Eden Aboriginal Evangelical Church and the Native American Baptist Fellowship.

“There’s is the way of peace. It is very similar to here in Eden. To work with people, and offer love and friendship to all people.”