WBGL welcomes more than 5,000 to Harvest of Hope Family Concert
More than 5,000 people gathered at Peterson Park in Mattoon for the sixth annual Harvest of Hope Family Concert, presented by Rural King and WBGL (Champaign, IL). The evening brought Christian music from MercyMe, Tasha Layton, Sam Wesley, and Mary-Clair, along with family activities and a night the crowd won’t soon forget.
The concert gave families a chance to enjoy live music together. But the night turned into something bigger: a celebration of the hope found in Jesus and the impact WBGL listeners and partners are making in their own community.
As part of Rural King’s commitment to giving back, ticket proceeds from Harvest of Hope are donated to local nonprofit organizations, extending the reach of the event well beyond Peterson Park.
One of the night’s most significant moments came when 31 people were baptized, a public and lasting expression of faith.
“Six years of Harvest of Hope with our partners at Rural King, and this was our best event yet,” said Jeff Scott, Station Manager at WBGL. “We are so thankful to all of the artists and fans who helped make this night so memorable. Seeing 31 people baptized, that was truly remarkable. It’s a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.”
The concert is made possible through the ongoing partnership between Rural King and WBGL, two organizations committed to investing in and serving local communities.
“We are incredibly grateful for our continued partnership with Rural King and the opportunity to bring Harvest of Hope to our community each year,” said Leah Bice, Engagement Director at WBGL. “Rural King’s generosity and commitment to investing in local communities is a beautiful reflection of the love of Jesus. Knowing that ticket proceeds are returned to local nonprofits makes this partnership even more meaningful. Together, we’re able to create an environment where families can come together, experience incredible music, encounter the hope of Christ and make a difference in the communities we call home.”
With more than 5,000 in attendance, 31 baptisms celebrated and ticket proceeds headed back into local nonprofits, the 2026 Harvest of Hope Family Concert delivered faith, generosity and community impact that will outlast the final song.
