Twenty-one years ago an idea came to Dillard Howard.  He thought it would be a good idea to start an all day singing with camping etc.  He took the idea to Reuben Ledford and they started putting it together.

     The first anniversary was held in July, 1984 on the back of an old flatbed truck.  The singers then was the Issacs, The Bishops, The Connors, Keith and Norma Hammons and some local groups.  They decided it was too hot in July.  The second anniversary was September of 1985.  They decided it was too cold.  Then, they finally settled for the month of August.

     This started out as a 2-day event and gradually grew over the years into a six day event.  The original organizers were Reverend Ron Howard, Dillard Howard and Reuben Leford.

     What started out on the back of a flatbed truck went to an outdoor stage.  But when a storm came up everyone had to run for shelter.  Then in 1992 a beautiful 40' by 100' pavilion was built to house the convention.

     For 18 years Reuben Leford had managed what is now called "The Annual August Gospel Bluegrass and Southern Gospel Music Convention". 2006 will be the 22nd Annual August Gospel Blugrass and Sothern Gospel Music Convention.  Brother Jim Strait is now the manager.

     We now have many groups from all over the United States and Canada as well as local talent comeing together to worship and praise the Lord in song and fellowhip in one of the largest Gospel Music Events in the state of Ohio.