Festival of Hope: Religious event attracts more than 7,000

Christian rapper and singer Funky raises his finger to heaven as he sings during Saturday's Festival of Hope at the Glory Road Field. (Victor Calzada / El Paso Times)

Photos: Festival of Hope at Glory Field

A bright sunset took the place of indoor lighting and blankets, foldable chairs, and jackets replaced indoor seating at the Greater El Paso Festival of Hope on Saturday.

The international festival, with evangelical preacher Franklin Graham, was originally scheduled at the Don Haskins Center. It changed locations to Glory Field after Graham became aware that the UTEP Miners women's basketball team was in need of the Don Haskins Center for the Women's National Invitation Tournament championship game.

Featured bands and singers on Saturday included Thousand Foot Krutch, Flame, Funky, Joshua Chavez and Band, and Dennis Agajanian.

Today, the festival will take place at 6 p.m., in the Don Haskins Center. Today's musical lineup will include the Tommy Coomes Band, Mariachi Isai, Daniel Calveti, and Michael W. Smith.

Saturday's venue change didn't seem to be a bother for those who attended and used the outdoor space to picnic and dance to cumbia, reggaeton, country and rap beats from the featured Christian artists.

More than 7,400 people from different denominations praised, worshiped and rejoiced. Thousands raised their hands in the air, whistled and cheered.

"I actually like the area, it's really good," said Lilana Maynez. "The areas aren't very small where people can sit. There's a lot of space."

The Rev. Joel Palomino, of the La Potencia de Dios Church, said moving to Glory Field was no trouble. About 80 members of Palomino's congregation attended the festival.

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Festival of Hope: Religious event attracts more than 7,000