Wells United Methodist Church has been holding Wellsfest for the past three decades, and though their longtime pastor Rev. Keith Tonkel passed away this year, Wellsfest 2017 is powering ahead with their goal to help others. The money they raise this year will go to the Methodist Children’s Home in Jackson.
Peggy Hampton said, “Our longtime minister passed away in March. We’re doing something a little special with the logo that goes on our Wellsfest shirts every year.” The logo includes a familiar phrase often said by the late Reverend Keith Tonkel, who pastored at Wells United Methodist Church for over three decades. The shirt reads “always love, always – Keith Tonkel”. The shirt was unveiled during church service to an emotional congregation.
“The response was a combination of speechlessness and excited gasps,” said Reverend Heather Hensarling. “No one could have guessed how it would have looked. It really captures the heart of Wellsfest and Keith Tonkel.”
This Wellsfest is Hensarling’s first with the church. However, 2017 certainly isn’t her first year in attendance. Hensarling was at the very first Wellsfest, back when it was hosted at Riverside Park. She is no stranger to the community-wide event. “They are a well-oiled machine, these folk who do the leg work tirelessly. My role right now is to pray up this event and its participants. I’m a student of Wellsfest,” said Hensarling.
Second-time chair of Wellsfest Brenda Ferguson agreed that the workers of Wellsfest were a well-oiled machine. “Keith Tonkel left a good impression on us all. He was always walking around Wellsfest picking up trash. Our closing circle at the end of the day was something he started. Everyone who worked during the day would stand together while he prayed for us. The convicts who helped us set up would be holding hands and praying with the cheerleaders who were getting their volunteer hours. Keith Tonkel would look around and say, ‘this is what Heaven will look like’. That was always the most meaningful part of Wellsfest for me. We will carry on that tradition,” said Ferguson.
Hensarling said, “As an outsider looking in for thirty-something years, I think it has a profound impact on the community. Wellsfest is done by these people entirely for the benefit of someone else and for the glory of God.”
Elaine Talbott, who has been in charge of the silent auction for twelve years, said, “We have donors who have given to us for years and years. If anyone owns a business and would like to contribute, they are welcome. The silent auction is one of the bigger revenues on the day of Wellsfest. We get a lot of great giftcards from dining around Jackson. We have gift certificates for hairdressers and salons, hardware stores for men. There are books and artwork that wasn’t included in the live auction. We have jewelry too. You never know what you’re going to find in that tent.”
Hampton added, “Wyatt Waters paints a still-life and that’s the last thing auctioned. We’re also having a golf tournament for a third year.” Waters paints his popular still-lifes throughout the silent auction and has done so for a number of years. Another favorite attraction of Wellsfest is the Pet Parade, where pets come dressed to the nines for awards like Best Dressed, Most Congenial, and Cutest. A blessing of the pets ceremony follows the parade and every animal is a winner, each receiving a St. Francis medal and a treat bag.
“We will need as many volunteers as possible,” said Hensarling. Wellsfest requires somewhere around 500 volunteers to keep running, according to the Reverend. “It’s a great opportunity for high school and college students looking for community service,” she added. Those interested are encouraged to check out the church’s website to find out more information about joining the good work done at Wellsfest.
Wellsfest will take place Saturday, September 30 from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The 5K Run and Walk will be held at 8 AM and the 1 Mile Fun Run at 9 AM. The Pet Parade begins promptly at 9:30 AM. The two stages will begin playing their nonstop concerts at 10 AM. In Fondren’s Duling Hall, Art Night’s preview will kick the night off at 5:30 PM, with the live auction beginning at 7 PM. Don’t miss out!
