Despite soaring temperatures, more than 40,000 people descended upon Memorial Park this weekend for live music, ministries and fun at the 2007 Hills Alive festival.

The Christian festival is in its 22nd year but has only been offered as a free event for the past five.

"There seems to be a real stigma about Christianity, that it's not fun or God is only a very serious thing," Tom Schoensteadt, promoter of Hills Alive, said. "But with this event, we want to show people that it's not all about the traditional and that this helps them to have a good time and help others see and experience what Christianity is about."

The event offered concerts from award-winning artists such as Rebecca St. James and Sarah Kelly and provided kid-oriented ministries and activities.

Schoensteadt said the concert grows every year, and with that growth, a lot of new activities have been added.

"We've been doing this as a free event since 2002 and every year we keep learning about how to improve it," Schoensteadt said. "I guess when you're dealing with this many people you have to keep moving forward."

A few of the new events featured this year included a late-night coffeehouse concert, and a mother-daughter after-hours hosted by St. James.

Even though Schoensteadt said the event ran smoothly, both days had 100 degree weather that left many people looking for ways to stay cool.

"This has definitely been one of the hotter years," said Moses McBride. "But I don't think that really kept anyone away."

McBride and his friend Josh Larson came from Spearfish for the concerts and said they found a great place to cool off in Memorial Park pond.

But those who didn't decide to cool off in the pond, were left having to find some shade.

"Shade is a premium. There were people here at 5:30 this morning reserving spots even though the event didn't start until 1 p.m.," Schoensteadt said.

In the future, Schoensteadt said Hills Alive will continue to improve and grow as a great weekend event for families and friends alike.

"We're in the helping business of trying to show what god can do in their lives."