The annual Konawa Gospel Singing returns this Saturday, Aug. 2, for its 61st run.

This year’s singing, headlined by the Hoppers, will kick off at 7 p.m. in Veterans Park. The free event will also feature Sound Street, Kevin Spencer and Beautifully Broken. Other acts on the bill include Southern Sonlight, The Russells, Jonathan Scroggs, Tisha Todd and Mary Fay Jackson.

In addition to the singing, artist and vendor booths, concession stands and souvenirs will be available. For more information, call 1-800-5578815 or visit thegospelstation. com. About The Hoppers

Multi-award winning family group The Hoppers have been singing to global audiences for over 60 years with appearances ranging from presidential religious inaugural ceremonies and New York’s Carnegie Hall to singing conventions and church platforms. They have performed throughout the United States as well as in Israel, Europe and Africa. Their unique blend of harmonies and song choices have created a legacy of musical excellence embraced by leading pastors and event organizers. Known as America’s Favorite Family of Gospel Music, they are favorites on the Gaither Homecoming videos and tours, and their recordings frequently land at the top of the BILLBOARD sales charts and The Singing News radio charts.

The Hoppers are comprised today of family members Claude & Connie, son Dean and his wife, Kim, son Mike, and Dean & Kims daughter, Karlye. The Hoppers were formed in 1957 in the rural-farm town of Madison, NC, and have grown continuously for decades, touching countless lives around the world. A cancer survivor, Connie has been honored with the prestigious Marvin Norcross Award, in addition to numerous industry and fan honors; and she has been inducted into the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Sons Dean and Mike have continued the family legacy with their musical talents and business abilities; and Kim, Dean’s wife, hails from her own nationally acclaimed musical family, The Greenes. She is noted for the excitement she brings to any live performance, and her unmistakable, rafter-ringing soprano vocals have taken The Hoppers to new heights for many years.

Group founder, Claude Hopper is recognized as one of the nation’s most influential businessmen. Claude serves on the Board of Directors for the National Quartet Convention, Southern Gospel Music’s premier event, which takes place every September and boasts annual attendance in excess of 60,000 people. The Great Western Fan festiva held in Fresno, California.

He is heavily involved with music publishing and founded the Hopper Brothers & Connie Publishing. In 1990, Claude received special recognition from Senator Jesse Helms and North Carolina Governor Jim Martin for his many contributions over the past three decades to the Gospel Music community. In 1999 He received his honorary degree of Doctor of Music from Oakland City University. He is also on the board of directors of First Bank in Mayodan, NC. And founding member of the North Carolina Gospel Music Hall Of Fame.