SDSU students prepare for LifeLight festival

Makenzie Huber News Editor

Students reflect on energy, memories at annual outdoor Christian music festival 

Angela Yee’s most memorable LifeLight experience was huddling under a tent with friends and strangers avoiding last year’s downpour. Even though the forecast hints at a chance of storms again this year to make it a second annual “mud fest,” Yee still plans to attend.

Yee, a senior majoring in human development and family studies, said there was something special about the festival that makes her want to return.

“When you’re in a huge crowd of like-minded people, the energy is just contagious,” Yee said. “I think people have more energy and are more free.”

A number of students plan to attend the 2015 LifeLight event in addition to Yee. Natalie McConnell, a freshman pre-pharmacy major, is one of the SDSU students attending the festival, making this year her seventh year at LifeLight.

“It has good bands and it’s a good time to get together with friends,” McConnell said about why she keeps returning.

The outdoor Christian music festival is putting on its 17th year of performances. The festival started out as a gathering of 2,000 on a Sioux Falls church lawn, but has since grown to more than 300,000 people in attendance on a farm near Worthing, S.D.

The three-day event falls over Labor Day weekend, featuring performances Friday through Sunday on five stages. This year’s highlighted bands include Tenth Avenue North, Switchfoot, Remedy Drive and others.

Festival attendees can camp out during the festival with a camping registration, while other attendees can park. The festival is free to attendees, but tickets must be obtained through the organization’s website. 

LifeLight provided a “what to pack” list on its website. The list included objects such as a Bible, chairs, sunscreen, bug repellant, flashlight and cell phone charger.

“Be prepared for it to be crowded, and definitely be prepared for standing a lot,” Yee said. Based on this weekend’s forecast, it may be recommended you bring a rain poncho as well, just in case.