Attendees to the Jehovah's Witness annual convention in June 2023 fill Co-op Place. The group is preparing for the 2024 edition of the gathering in the city's large arena this weekend.--News File Photo
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Medicine Hat News
From Friday to Sunday this week, the city will welcome more than 3,500 guests who are once again attending the region’s annual Jehovah’s Witness Convention making it the largest one-weekend event in Medicine Hat.
New details were released Monday around the three-day convention’s schedule at Co-op Place that will include free bible-based talks, discourses and video presentations centred around this year’s theme, ‘Declare the Good News!’
“We are happy to return to Medicine Hat for our annual summer convention,” said spokesperson Brad Pramberg. “These conventions are a highlight of the year for thousands of people who need to experience some good news in their lives, and we are happy to enjoy the program once again in such a positive and hospitable city.”
The convocation begins Friday June 21 at 9:20 a.m. and runs until 4:55 p.m., and each day will include a one hour and 20 minute lunch break. Saturday, convocation runs from 9:20 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 9:40 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.
Saturday will feature a baptism of candidates from surrounding communities. Local congregations will also engage in a campaign to invite community members to the convocation.
Last year more than 8,500 people travelled to the city to attend the same convention over two weekends and it was Medicine Hat’s largest convention ever held.
According to an economic impact study conducted by Tourism Medicine Hat and the Medicine Hat Sport and Event Council, last year’s convention brought in more than $4 million in economic activity.
In February, Medicine Hat’s Accommodation Association told the News that city hotel rooms and campgrounds were booked within 10 minutes of the event’s announcement.
