The WIDU Anniversary is back and includes several events spanning two weeks from Oct. 1-14.

Located in Fayetteville, the WIDU 1600 AM radio station anniversary celebration includes performances, prayer rallies, inspirational gatherings and more. WIDU provides its listeners with all that a station entails, with a primary emphasis on gospel music. Looking back to when it all started in 1958 and fast forwarding to now, WIDU has maintained a highly respectable reputation by staying true to its mission and continuously promoting “inspiration and information” through news and music.

The WIDU Anniversary is is packed with chart-topping and record-breaking gospel artists, live and concert-style gospel music, educational and motivational conferences, empowerment services, prayer breakfasts and so much more. The two-week celebration is designed to uplift, encourage and change lives. Every day from Oct. 1-14 features a special event.

Oct. 1, the Day of Prayer and Prayer Rally will be held at Faith Tabernacle Christian Center in St. Pauls, North Carolina. This rally serves as the official kick-off for the anniversary. WIDU administrators request churches and people to join together to pray for the attendees of the WIDU Anniversary. It begins at 6 p.m. 

Saturday, Oct. 7, is a free youth concert held at the John D. Fuller Recreational Complex in Fayetteville. The title of the concert is Red Revolution. Starting at 6 p.m., this event features artists such as Julius Witherspoon, Generation Joshua, Brian “Young Saint” Carter and many more. 

There will be a stage play Oct. 9 at Kingdom Impact Global Ministries in Fayetteville. Titled “Daddy’s Boys,”  the play is presented by GDavis Productions. This event is set to start at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. is a Unity Service at Fayetteville’s Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church. Seven years running, the worship service serves the purpose of gathering all church denominations under one roof. The aim is that though everyone comes from different backgrounds, attendees can still come together to worship Jesus Christ.

The next day at 7 p.m. is the Together as One event. This is when WIDU artists minister through songs at local churches in the community.

The next three days feature the celebration’s biggest events.

On Thursday, Oct.12, at noon, the Crown Expo will host the Women’s Empowerment Luncheon featuring pastor Ruby Holland and Grammy-nominated singer Kelly Price.

Following this at the Crown Coliseum at 6:30 p.m. is the annual Carolina’s Best competition. The categories include soloists, choirs/groups and quartet groups. Those who attend will have the chance to win various cash prizes. Finalists will be judged by Grammy-nominated singers including Travis Greene, Kim Burrell, Kelly Price and JJ Hairston. The opening concert is JJ Hairston and the closing concert is Travis Greene.

Friday, Oct. 13, at the Crown Expo, is the Prayer Breakfast with Bishop Rudolph McKissick Jr. and gospel singer Maranda Curtis. Later that evening at 5 p.m. at the Coliseum, the Traditional Gospel Night event will feature notable artists such as Rev. Rance Allen, Harvey Watkins, Lisa Knowles-Smith, John P. Kee and more.

The last day of the WIDU Anniversary, Oct. 14, is the celebration. Grammy award-winning gospel artist Kirk Franklin is set to take the stage and close the event. However, he will not be the only one onstage. Joining Franklin will be gospel artist Tasha Cobbs-Leonard and other surprise guests. For more information, visit www.widuanniversary.com.