For four decades, WJTL has been a home for Christian programming, and the radio station wants to honor its legacy and longevity by giving back to the community. WJTL 40 Fest will be held on Saturday, May 18, at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, 150 Cherry Hill Road, Ronks. The event will begin at noon and will wrap up with a headlining performance by Crowder, beginning at 8:15 p.m.

"We wanted a day to celebrate our 40th anniversary and decided a festival lineup at an outside venue would create the type of event perfect for a celebration," said Phillip Miller, event and facilities director. "I had been talking with Cherry Crest Adventure Farm since 2022 about using their facility for an outside concert, and we thought our 40th anniversary would be the perfect time to bring a great lineup of music to the property."

The lineup for the festival includes Behold the Beloved, which will perform at 3 p.m.; Leanna Crawford, who will entertain at 4 p.m.; Rhett Walker, who will hit the stage at 5 p.m.; Cochren & Co, which will perform at 6 p.m.; Danny Gokey, who will play at 7 p.m.; and Crowder, who will close out the evening.

"40 Fest will be a day of family fun and great music focused on celebrating 40 years of living out our slogan, 'Christ. Community. Music.' Cherry Crest Adventure Farm will have their spring attractions open," Miller shared. "We're planning an event that everyone can enjoy, whether you've listened to WJTL since 1984 or 2024. 40 Fest will provide a fun day for all."

WJTL's story began in 1984, when the station was housed in a renovated chicken house across from Lancaster Bible College, recalled president Fred McNaughton.

"During this time, WJTL expanded its reach, going 24 hours and beginning to broadcast in stereo, while also engaging with the community through various events, including a popular weekly roller skate to contemporary Christian music," he said.

By the mid-1990s, WJTL had moved to a new location on Oregon Pike. "WJTL also began inviting local organizations to the morning show to share their stories and promote their events," McNaughton said.

In 2011, the station relocated to its current home at The Junction Center in Manheim. "The move to The Junction Center not only allowed WJTL to continue its community-focused approach, but it also provided a space to invite and host listeners and other community groups in new and engaging ways," he said.

Through the years and all the changes, one thing is unchanged, he noted. "WJTL's core mission has remained steadfast: to play great Christian music that inspires and challenges its listeners, to serve its community with all its heart and to honor the Lord Jesus Christ in all it does," he said.

As for the next 40 years, listeners can expect to continue to hear the live voices of friends in the community, said Stacey Gagne, vice president of operations.

"We want everyone who listens to be encouraged, to find hope, and we believe all of those things are found in Jesus," she stated. "In the next 40 years, we will continue to find new ways to connect with you and provide you with the great content that you expect from WJTL."

Tickets for 40 Fest are available at http://www.thejunctioncenter.com/wjtl-40-fest.