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Down a peaceful, scenic road in Willis, an annual summer festival is bringing together community, reconciling relationships, and hosting plain ol’ summer fun. Replenish Festival has been hosting folks by the hundreds since 2015, and everyone agrees that the fun-filled day make it more than worth the drive every year. Who said enjoying the dog days of summer was just for kids?
It started with 400 acres of land off a quiet road in Indian Valley. Add to that ministry president Travis Bishop’s vision and the friendly support of a dedicated community, and the land was theirs. “I felt the need to do an event that revolved around music and ministry,” Bishop explains. The previous owner had already put in a stage and water amenities. After pitching the owner and batting the idea around for a couple years, the owner agreed to let the new-fledged idea take shape. The 501(c) non-profit has been going strong since.
So Much to Do, So Little Time
Concerts, horseback riding, inflatables, food, duck races and vendors are only some of the activities the festival boasts. The duck races are always a fan favorite – competitors of all ages drop off ducks at one end of the creek and pick them up on the finish line on the other side. (Spoiler alert… past winners have received super-soaker water guns).
Food trucks and local merchants set up every year, giving festival-goers the chance to shop from and support local vendors. After picking up a refreshing snack, choose from a variety of all-ages activities – ride-a-rescue, join the Kidz zone with its monstrous inflatables, or, for the older kids, duck in the Teen Tent for a rousing game of corn hole, kan jam, volleyball or ultimate frisbee.
Archery is a popular activity. A Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) organization based in Giles County graciously comes to teach archery to anyone who wants to shoot. It’s a spectacular opportunity to receive exposure in the sport, while the common goal is camaraderie and laughter.
The classic car cruise-in draws a lot of attention. “It’s a people’s choice award event – people vote on their favorite cars, and awards are given on stage,” Bishop relates. The website invites classic and show cars, military vehicles, motorcycles, tractors and trucks. “The reward of hard work in restoring a vehicle is being able to show it off and share it with others,” the website proclaims. Go to replenishfest.com to reserve a spot for you and your stylish ride.
The Evening Music
“At 6 p.m., the activities shut down and the concert starts,” Bishop explains, “though that’s not the end of the festivities – not by a long shot.” The concert is a cohesive gathering of young and old favorites and a chance for the community to gather and worship together. Past artists have included Building 429, Jordan Feliz, Cochren and Co, Sidewalk Prophets and others. Genres vary from Christian rock to folk to rap. “We put out music that we believe will engage the local church and the public. All walks of life come together and worship.”
For some, the whole festival is more than a one day event. Camping is a well-liked option and encouraged for church, youth groups or any large group that wants a memorable, laid-back experience. “We typically have 60 or more spots filled with campers, and we can do more than that,” he says. Camping includes on-site water, showers and other amenities.
The festival averages 12,000 to 15,000 people per year. The event is completely family-friendly with security officers and police, rescue, fire and first-responders on standby.
Replenish Festival (or Fest) is more than just a time of fun and laughter – although there’s plenty of that to go around. “Last year, we raised money for Hurricane Helene victims and families.” The impact of the community’s support was powerful. “Thirty hurricane victims came and gave their testimonies on stage,” Bishop states.
Local sponsors make the event affordable and family-friendly for folks. Replenishfest.com has information for those interested in different sponsorship tiers. Sponsors often get meet-the-artist privileges, online exposure, and bigger companies may get the option to talk about their business from the stage.
All in all, it’s a huge team effort. In between mowing lawns, helping with production and weed-eating, those at Replenish Fest receive a deep joy from the ways that people are brought together through the festival. “It’s an event for anybody and everybody who wants to come,” Bishop invites. The team from Replenish Fest has their heart written all over their name – replenish, refresh and restore. “We’ve seen people get saved and marriages and relationships being restored.”
Cruise in with your funky ride. Shop local vendors and merchants. Consider sponsoring the fun. Kick up your feet, engage with the music, and join the duck race. Bring a group and camp out Friday and Saturday to make the fun last longer. Soak in the feeling of replenishment in the slower pace of life. And, as anyone from Replenish Fest could tell you, they’d be thrilled to have you show up.
Text by Caitlyn Koser
Photos courtesy of Replenish Festival
Photos courtesy of Replenish Festival
Caitlyn Koser is a freelance writer, homeschool student and regular contributor to New River Valley Magazine.
