By STEVEN CALHOUN/Staff Writer

En Fuego is celebrating its 20th year Saturday, Aug. 27 in Verbena, AL. The gates open at 1p.m. and admission is free.

“It’s gonna be interesting to see what’s going on this year,” said Jeff Herron, a member of the board of En Fuego. “For the 20th year … the lineup is much, much bigger than normal. There’s really three headliners.”

Herron said the budget is bigger this year, and the board has worked hard to raise the funds and find volunteers to support the biggest En Fuego yet.

Crews of volunteers have been out in the field cutting grass, weed eating, and doing other work to get things ready. It’s important to them to make it the best it can be for the 20th year. Herron said there are groups from states as far as Ohio coming to the concert this year.

“Nobody at En Fuego makes one penny,” said Herron.

He stressed that the event is staffed entirely by volunteers. From the planning to the execution, volunteers make it happen. Donations from local businesses and citizens fund the event. Herron said vendors do pay a fee to be present, which helps En Fuego cover its budget; however, En Fuego makes no money from the sales.

Herron expects a great crowd at En Fuego this year. The lineup includes Natalie Grant, Colton Dixon, Landers Road, and Mercy Me. Local group Matt Littlejohn Band will perform at the prayer time for volunteers and Elevate from First United Methodist will play during the afternoon at En Fuego.

“Normally it’s geared towards a youth event, but adults come too. This year we’ve kind of spread it out a little bit. Natalie Grant … she’s been around a while, and then you’ve got Colton Dixon who’s brand new.”

Herron said the concert has received comparisons to Woodstock and been referred to as “just a rock concert.” He emphasized that the music is only part of the picture.

“En Fuego is about Jesus Christ. Period,” said Herron. “It’s about loving on people.”

To ensure the focus stays on the message, Herron said safety and accommodations for physical handicaps are a priority at En Fuego. There will be security, a first aid tent with plenty of free water, and golf carts giving rides to people who need one.

To find out more about En Fuego, visit Enfuegoinfo.com. The gates open at 1p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27 at 2701 County Road 23 Verbena, AL.