Deerfield Celebrates the Holiday Season with Joy Fest!

By China Boynton

Pastor Ron Harper of I am Kingdom Ministries is hosting a joy-filled festival in Deerfield this season called “Joy Fest.”

Joy Fest will be held Saturday, Dec 16 from 2 to 9 p.m. and is set to have a little something for everyone.

The Christmas-themed event started in Fort Lauderdale and was called “Joy in the Park,” which lasted for eight years until Pastor Ron Harper moved his ministry to Deerfield Beach and the event was reincarnated as “Joy Fest.”

“I’ve been in Deerfield for 12 years now, but this is the third annual Joyfest event because we are hosting it on the property of the church – I Am Kingdom ministries,” Harper said.

Harper expressed that he would eventually like to move the event to the beach instead of his church parking lot.

Local vendors of every kind will be there including food trucks, a band, steppers, some schools attend and are having a free concert at night.

“This year we are doing something a little different, we are hosting a talent show but the theme is Christmas carols,” Harper said.

“We are inviting churches, different singing/dancing groups, or any individuals that would like to showcase their talent,” Harper said.

There will be a $700 cash prize for the first place winner, $300 for second place, and local artists will be featured as well. There is a registration fee of $25 for an individual looking to enter the contest and $50 for a group or organization.

I am Kingdom Ministries is located at 432 SW 10th Court, Deerfield Beach. A highlight of the festival is the toy drive where they are set to provide 1,000 toys to local children who may otherwise not receive any toys for Christmas.

The toy drive is for children 17 and under. “Every year the festival is growing so we would like to grow as well by changing the venue to a more relaxed setting,” said Harper.

He says the event could use some extra volunteers and financial donations if anyone is looking to be a part of the festival.

Vendor spots are available, and anyone is welcome to leave a donation by texting DONATE to 954-708-2179 or for more information go on Instagram @joyfest.