This is the 13th year for the event, which draws crowds from all over the country. "Unique visitor" attendance is typically about 30,000 per day, and the combined six-day cumulative attendance (which includes a similar event held in Del Mar, San Diego County, in May) is 80,000.

The purpose of SWC is to worship and glorify Jesus Christ by:

- Presenting the Gospel through music and teaching,

- Encouraging and providing opportunities for people of all ages to accept Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord,

- Encouraging spiritual growth, maturity and pursuit of Christ-like life,

- Encouraging unity and fellowship of believers.

Besides music by top artists in the field of Christian music, the festival features comic routines, illusionists, Bible teaching by gifted speakers, activities for all ages. It is supported by more than 1,000 volunteers who donate their time to provide security, concessions, ministry, traffic and parking control, ushering and the many other services required to meet the needs of such a large crowd.

The number of entertainers, performers and presenters is enormous: eight stages host groups like Toby Mac, Mercy Me, David Crowder Band, Jeremy Camp, Kutless, Leeland, Brandon Heath, Needtobreathe, Family Force 5, Flatfoot 56, Barlowgirl, Hawk Nelson and Thousand Food Krutch. There will be seminars with inspirational speakers like Nick Vujicic, Matthew West, Bill Bucholz and Dave Shepardson. Also appearing will be comedians Bob Smiley and Thor Ramsey and illusionist Brock Gill.

Ministry, spreading the Christian message and supporting the faith of participants, is an important part of Spirit West Coast. This is accomplished by the spiritual message of the music being performed and the Gospel messages preached and taught at various sessions throughout the day and night.

Evangelism happens at "altar calls" or "decision times" when participants are given opportunities to publicly accept Jesus as their Savior, which more than 300 people have done during previous festivals. Water baptism ceremonies are performed in a festive but reverent atmosphere.

Another ministry opportunity is offered by Compassion International. Each year at SWC, attendees are asked to sponsor a child. The sponsor is connected directly with a boy or girl in an underdeveloped nation. The monthly support offerings from this program have helped more than 7,000 children.

There are also prayer tents with counselors present, evangelism training sessions, new believers' classes and a variety of worship opportunities. Dozens of exhibitors will showcase their businesses that offer art, music, jewelry, clothing, skateboards, portraits, books, Bibles and posters for sale. Many SWC artists will be selling their latest CDs as well as T-shirts.

Children are a major focus of this family-friendly festival, with many trained adults ministering to them through age-appropriate shows with singing, puppetry and juggling.

A country fair atmosphere is created in Veggie Land, a special area on the festival grounds offering many fun kid activities: games, petting zoo, clowns, face painting, crafts and guest performers.

The Ammunition Conference, organized within SWC, invites churches to send youth and youth pastors to a three-day, high-powered mini youth camp that includes meals and access to the complete festival program.

Spirit West Coast is sponsored by a nonprofit organization, Christian Music Today, dedicated to "presenting the Gospel of Christ." They present Christian music performances throughout the year at many different locations.

For more information, call (831) 443-5399 or visit monterey.spiritwestcoast.org.

Chuck Flagg Chuck Flagg is a retired teacher with a passion for religion. Reach him at cflagg@svnewspapers.com.