Photo courtesy of Christopher Hayes

DecembeRadio, a Christian rock band, will perform at the NRV Autumn Fest on Sept. 12 along with other nationally recognized and local artists.

| Mary Hardbarger

mary.hardbarger@roanoke.com, 381-1679

DUBLIN -- Fall is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the changing of the leaves and cooler temperatures than with live music, fellowship and a warm, melt-in-your-mouth funnel cake.

Residents can expect all of these things at the NRV Autumn Fest on Sept. 12 without having to break the bank.

This is the first year the festival has taken place, and Christopher Hayes, founder of the festival, said he is excited to bring this opportunity to the area.

For several years, Hayes has been traveling to different cities to participate in Promise Keepers -- a faith-based, inspirational conference for men.

There, Hayes said, he was reminded to be a better person, father and friend and also that some of the greatest rewards come in times of hardship.

It was at these conferences, Hayes said, that he was inspired to take what he had learned and "bring it back home."

"I became very passionate about doing something good in the lives of others during moments of struggle," Hayes said.

Earlier this year, Hayes and members of several area churches started planning the festival, the goal being to bring an affordable event to the area that would provide something for everyone.

"Our focus is not on denomination," Hayes said. "For the day, we are one church under God."

The festival is a not-for-profit event, and all the proceeds will go toward the festival itself.

Bluefield College is a major sponsor and will be handing out scholarships throughout the evening.

But organizers want everyone to know that affordable tickets don't necessarily mean less-desirable performances.

Along with regional and local artist performances will be acts by nationally recognized artists such as DecembeRadio, David Upton and Sarah Reaves.

DecembeRadio, a Virginia-based Christian rock band, came to national attention in 2006. The group was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album and four Dove Awards, one of which the band won.

The band is now touring across the United States.

In addition to the musical acts, there will be Christian dramas, food vendors, a rock-climbing wall and guest speakers from area churches.

For the video game fanatics and rock-star wannabes, a tent will be set up for Guitar Hero and Rock Band competitions.

"We want our community to have a family-oriented and inspirational event and to see that you don't have to be at church to experience God," Hayes said.