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Churches fill park with music
Ceres Concerts in the Park winds down
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Local Christians Alyssa Morauske, Janette Claridge and Timmt Oliver sang as part of a Ceres Seventh-day Adventist Church group during last weeks Ceres Concerts in the Park. Church Night has been a long standing tradition of the series. - photo by DALE BUTLER/The Courier

A number of local church choirs and Christian musicians supplied an evening of entertainment for the second to the last installment of the Ceres Concerts in the Park series on July 7.

There was plenty of draw to the venue in Whitmore Park and the weather was delightful.

"Every week is something different," said Cambria Pollinger, city of Ceres recreation supervisor. "Church Night has been a tradition for the last 28 years."

Tim Edwards of Ceres Christian Church served as master of ceremonies.

The concert of faith lasted about two hours, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Robbie Bacolod, Naomi Woods, Janette Claridge, Timmy Oliver, Alyssa Morauske and Mike Morauske represented Ceres Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Herb Henry, daughter Amanda Henry, Richie Hartsfield and Chris Henry of the Southern Gospel music group The Herb Henry Family belted out songs of inspiration. Children from their home church, Richland Faith Assembly of God, sang songs as well.

"It's a privilege to get together and share our passion with other people, especially music," noted Alyssa Morauske.

Adam Bailey attended the concert with his fiancée Kathy, the office manager at Beaver Elementary School, and their son Gabriel.

"We just decided to bring our kid out and have some fun," said Adam, a campus supervisor at Mae Hensley Jr. High. "It's something to do. It's free entertainment. It's a nice day. We're supporting the community."

Choirs from both churches teamed up on stage at the end of last week's concert.

Herb Henry led the audience in the singing of Amazing Grace and God Bless America before closing the night with a prayer.

The final concert this summer was staged on Tuesday. The Van Diemanns and A La Lune performed on Cultural Night.

"Barbara Hinton (former Ceres mayor) started the Concert in the Park Series," Pollinger said. "She's the godmother of the entire program."

Attending the concert proved to be profitable for Wes Stamper. His name was drawn for a $500 cash prize through the Cash Pass contest. Stamper was excited, saying the money could help out since him and his wife gave birth to a boy three weeks ago.