Fierce Faith Music Festival awarded tourism grant for its fourth event June 14 – Newton Daily News

A bandmate of Jordan Feliz performs and worships during the 2024 Fierce Faith Music Festival. The Newton-based Christian music festival only continues to grow and has recently been approved for a tourism grant from the City of Newton. (Christopher Braunschweig)
Fierce Faith Music Festival is getting a boost from the City of Newton.
The local Christian music festival received a Newton Hotel-Motel Tourism Grant by council members during their April 7 meeting. Organizers of the event asked for a $2,500 grant, which is below the 25 percent threshold set forth by the grant program rules. The fourth festival will be held June 14 during Newton Fest.
Similarly to last year, the Fierce Faith Music Festival will be held at Community Heights Alliance Church. The economic impact of the event includes hotel rooms for out-of-town stage crews, artists and support staff, as well as some attendees. The festival also utilities local food trucks the day of the event.
Local businesses are used for printing, signage and merchandise leading up to Fierce Faith Music Festival. Attendees and artists are also typically seen at local gas stations, coffee shops and businesses throughout the event, which usually takes place during the afternoon and evening hours.
According to city documents, the Newton Hotel-Motel Tourism Grant Program is intended to encourage the development, continuation and promotion of projects, events and other initiatives that attract visitors from outside of Newton, especially those who are likely to spend the night in local hotels or motels.
Fierce Faith Music Festival was launched in 2022 by organizers Nick and Kristi Cummins. As avid fans of Christian music festivals, the two wanted to bring that kind of energy and excitement to their own town. It premiered downtown to great success before moving to the undeveloped Legacy Plaza greenspace.
Last year the festival moved to Community Heights Alliance Church, which is located in the 2500 block of South 13th Avenue East. The large parking lot bode well for the festival, as did the church’s enormous greenspace. The festival has consistently grown in offerings and attendance every year.
“It’s always been our dream to have more of a festival feel and maybe lengthen it a little bit in the future,” Kristi Cummins said. “Last year we went 5 to 9 p.m. and this year we’re going from 5 to 10 p.m. because we’re adding another artist. Eventually, maybe we start a little earlier in the day and make it an all-day event.”
The ministry is growing and word of mouth is spreading fast. Fierce Faith Music Festival has consistently drawn local families but it also attracted a number of out-of-county folks for an evening of song and worship. Kristi Cummins said more and more people are wanting to get involved with the event.
In 2024, Fierce Faith Music Festival had around 650 people attend the event.
“I can tell you our ticket sales already are more than what we had from last year at this time,” Kristi Cummins said. “…We’re growing. And that’s awesome.”
Which makes obtaining the tourism grant feel even better. Organizers have a real love for their town and want to bring people to Newton, which ultimately helps the local economy. Kristi Cummins said artists love the downtown businesses and enjoy the small town atmosphere.
More people are already expected to be in town the weekend of the festival for both Newton Fest and Newton Alumni Weekend, possibly increasing attendance.
Performing at Fierce Faith Music Festival this year is Iowa artist Jake Simon, Christian pop musician Riley Clemmons, a sister duo known as The Band JAREN and headliner Colton Dixon. Tickets are $20 per person, or $15 per person for groups of 10. Kids ages 10 and under enter the festival free of charge.
To reserve your tickets to the festival, visit www.fiercefaithmusic.org.
Christopher Braunschweig has a strong passion for community journalism and covers city council, school board, politics and general news in Newton, Iowa and Jasper County.
Copyright © 2023 Newton Daily News. All rights reserved. Published in Newton, Iowa, USA, by Shaw Media.
Copyright © 2023 Newton Daily News. All rights reserved. Published in Newton, Iowa, USA, by Shaw Media.

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