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SEVIERVILLE -- Former President George W. Bush will speak tonight at Bridgemont, which includes the Sevierville Events Center and Wilderness at the Smokies resort, during the Phil Waldrep Ministries “Celebrators” conference taking place at the resort this week.

Bush will meet with guests and conference attendees until shortly before 7 p.m. when he delivers the keynote address for the “Celebrate America” portion of the four-day Christian conference. More than 8,500 people were signed up for the conference. Seats for President Bush's address have been sold out since June.

During his speech, Bush is expected to speak about faith, freedom and America.

“We're thrilled to have the former president here,” said David McGregor, general manager of Wilderness at the Smokies resort. “It speaks volumes about the level of quality and service we deliver here at Wilderness at the Smokies. It's a tremendous honor to be associated with this kind of event.”

Bush spokesman David Sherzer said, “Former President Bush will offer some reflecting from his presidency as well as lessons he learned about leadership and decision making, and he'll talk about the impact of his faith on his decision to run for the presidency and on his decisions as president.”

Based in Decatur, Ala., Phil Waldrep Ministries was formed in 1980 and hosts numerous conferences for men, women, senior adults, students and pastors, the North Alabama Bible Conference, and other events such as Christian cruises and worldwide mission trips. According to Waldrep Ministries, the Celebrators conference this week is for “older adults and mature believers.”

In addition to the address from Bush, the conference features a concert by singer Sandi Patty, music from worship leader Charles Billingsley and daily addresses by David Jeremiah.