The Grand Finale
by Brandon Schmidt


Just when you thought Alive '06 would go down as the year of the mud, God blessed us with the most picture-perfect weather imaginable to close out the week. Activity was everywhere--from the lake to the volleyball and basketball courts, to the skate park and miniature golf course, something was happening. While the Woods Stage and Modern Worship Seminar had plenty that just wanted some shade, the Beach Stage also had its share of sun-lovers. Both had great line-ups throughout the afternoon with artists like The Fold, Krystal Meyers, Manafest, and others, but I'd have to say my highlight was the craziness that is Family Force 5. They told me that they're only trying to show the joy of the Lord in the most extreme way possible, and it definitely showed.

The day continued as people soaked up the sunshine, and it wasn't long before Falling up and Hawk Nelson opened the evening to their ever-growing army of young fans. Lincoln Brewster and Thousand Foot Krutch soon followed, and then the event that almost seemed hard to believe happened--Audio Adrenaline's last appearance at Alive. Named the "official house band of Alive," the band was definitely no stranger, having played here more than anyone else in Alive's history. After a special encore, it was finally time to say goodbye. The festival then had its grand finale with an awesome time of worship as casting Crowns led us into the night.

In what seemed like the year of the new artist, with around half of the artists debuting at the festival, with crazy weather, with great times, incredible performances, and most of all, a time to just come fully alive in Christ, Alive 2006 was a year that I won't soon forget.