By Travis Morgan
The Inspiration Celebration in Orem”s SCERA Park had been planned for months, but the all day family music event on Saturday became a source of relief from the week”s earlier events.
“The music is fitting,” said Ryan Carter, a Provo resident, who attended the free concert. “It provides comfort and strength to people with the situation in our country right now.”
Carter said he and his wife recently lost a daughter. The music, he said, “brings comfort to your soul.”
The Inspiration Celebration hosted musical artists including Michael McLean and offered areas with arts, crafts and other activities for families to enjoy.
Peter Daley, a resident of Pleasant Grove, brought his two young children to the events.
“I think it is a really nice thing they are doing,” he said.
Deseret Book event manager Amber Borowski said the celebration was nearly canceled, but organizers decided they could use the event to provide service to the local community in a time of need.
“We looked at it as an opportunity to bring the community together to share feelings,” said Keith Abrams, station manager of KOSY 106.5.
He said their goal was to have people leaving the event feeling better than when they walked in.
“With everything that happened this week, we would be happy if 10 people showed up today,” Abrams said. Looking at the hundreds in attendance, he said, “It has been very inspiring.”
Orem Mayor Jerry Washburn opened the event with words of support and Red Cross Disaster Services encouraged attendees to volunteer with local emergency response teams.
The Red Cross also had a booth to inform citizens about Disaster Services and to collect donations to help disaster victims on the East Coast.
