The Pentagon decided to turn down our request for a military flyover to honor our veterans at the 43rd Annual Treasure Valley God and Country Festival that took place on July 1, 2009, even though we have had numerous flyovers in the past. We want to make it clear that although it is unashamedly a Christian event, a major part of the Festival is honoring our troops who protect our freedom to assemble.

Here are some facts:

• Since 2006, our website has provided an In Memoriam link to honor our military veterans who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
• The 43 year old Festival has obtained military flyovers for many years.
• Each year, the anthems of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines are played, and those who have served our country in each branch are honored.
• In 2008, Mark Schultz, an artist who is popular on Armed Forces Radio for his CD entitled "Letters From War," headlined the event with a moving tribute to military families.

Follow this story:

• Bryan Dooley at the Idaho Press-Tribune: Pentagon Nixes Flyover.
• Ysabel Bilbao of KTVB: Pentagon says "no" to flyover for God and Country Family Festival
• Fox News: Air Force Denies Request for Flyover at Christian Festival.
• Bryan Dooley at the Idaho Press-Tribune: Military stands by flyover decision at God & Country Rally
• Bill O'Reilly - Talking Points Memo
• Bryan Dooley at the Idaho Press-Tribune: Lt. governor blasts event flyover decision
• You may contact the Pentagon here.

Wow, that was fun. Now it's time to start planning for next year, and we'd love to get your input while this year is fresh in your mind. We want to hear from anyone who has positive feedback or constructive suggestions on how we can make the event better next year.

Note: The Idaho Center does not allow outside food or drinks to be brought in, but plenty of food and snacks are available at the concession stands. Also, no high-back chairs are allowed. Low-back beach chairs are allowed, blankets are allowed, and there are chairs and bleachers to sit on if you don't want to bring anything.

Want to support the Festival and keep it free? Please consider buying glow-sticks and contributing at the Festival or here on the website through PayPal. Thanks for your support and prayers for the success of this event!

Brandon Heath

Make your plans now for the 2009 God and Country Festival on Wednesday, July 1 at the Idaho Center. We are excited to have Brandon Heath and several local bands performing for this free family event. The fireworks show is the largest in the Treasure Valley, and is choreographed with patriotic and inspirational music!

Schedule of events

• 5:00 - Gates open 
• 6:00 - Entertainment starts, including Wasting Lament and Music Ministers' Band.
• 8:00 - Grand celebration, including skydiver, presentation of the colors, national anthem, awards & more, and Brandon Heath.
• 10:20 - Fireworks show

Treasure Valley Music Ministers

In addition to Brandon Heath, part of this year's opening entertainment will be a Treasure Valley Music Ministers' Band including Jesse Schuster, Scott Riggan, Gordon Knapp, Mark Thornton, Andy Hendley, and Doug Connelly.

Wasting Lament

We're proud to feature another local band of accomplished musicians called Wasting Lament as an opening act. You can read more about Wasting Lament on their website.

We could use your help!

We are looking for business, church, and individual sponsors to keep this event going. The God and Country Festival is entirely volunteer-led, and is supported by donors and sponsors. Your support helps us bring great Christian music to the Treasure Valley and give much-needed publicity to the ministries that set up tables at the event free of charge.

Download a Sponsor Opportunity Pack.

We want to welcome Nampa's own High Street Band to the God and Country Festival this year!

• The 11x17 advertising supplement that goes out in the Idaho Press-Tribune is our primary source of funding. It is well-read by the community and stays around on people's desks for a long time after the event.
• We can fit all budgets from $250 for a business card sized ad to $10,000 for a front page ad and stage sponsorship. Surely ONE of those will fit into your business marketing plans!
• People like to do business with people who support causes they believe in.
• This event has drawn up to 14,000 people, plus the tabloid goes out Idaho-Press Tribune readers who don't even have to come to the event to see your ad.
• We go out of our way to give due recognition to our financial supporters, because without them - without YOU - we couldn't do what we do.

We are excited to welcome Mark Schultz to the God and Country Festival in 2008!

This year, the event will be held on Wednesday, July 2, so mark your calendars now.

The gates open tonight, June 27, 2007 at 5:00 pm, and we're looking forward to seeing you there!

Here is an outline of what will be happening and when:

Bring the whole family and invite your neighbors to share a night of family friendly music and tributes to our military. The Idaho Center will put water cups out at the water fountains and YOU CAN BRING LOW-BACKED foldable chairs so they do not interfere with the audience behind you. Food and refreshments are avaialable for purchase.

Not sure exactly where the Idaho Center is? Here's a map.

Want to stay informed on plans for next year's Festival? Sign up for the Friends of God and Country newsletter.

God bless America!

P.s. - We want to give a special thanks to 89.5 KTSY for their help in getting the word out about this great event!