Our Legacy: Honoring Faith, Family, and Freedom Since 1966
The God and Country Family Festival has a rich and inspiring history, rooted in patriotism, faith, and community. It all began in 1966, when beloved western film and television star Chuck Connors—best known for his role in The Rifleman—helped spearhead a nationwide movement of patriotic rallies and parades aimed at uniting communities under shared American values.
Connors believed deeply in preserving the principles on which our nation was founded and used his platform to inspire events that blended civic pride with a strong faith-based foundation. One of the earliest of these rallies took place right here in Nampa, Idaho. That first event was held on the Wednesday night before Independence Day in 1966, laying the foundation for what would become a cherished local tradition.
As time went on, the original parade—now called Parade America—shifted to the third Saturday in May. But the heart of the original vision remained alive through what became known as the God and Country Rally, continuing the patriotic and spiritual celebration on its original midweek date. This event became a beacon for those who believed in keeping both God and country central to American life.
In 2000, the growing crowds and community enthusiasm prompted a move from Lakeview Park to the Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater. With that transition came a new name: the God and Country Family Festival—a name that reflects not only our values but the generations of families who attend year after year.
Today, the festival remains one of the last surviving God and Country-style rallies in the nation, a living legacy to Chuck Connors’ vision and to the dedication of those who have worked tirelessly to keep it going. It continues to be a FREE community celebration held on the traditional Wednesday before the 4th of July, featuring music, speakers, military and civic honors, and a grand fireworks display provided by the City of Nampa.
At its core, the God and Country Family Festival is a tribute to the enduring ideals of our nation’s founders, honoring active-duty military, veterans, public servants, first responders, and the unshakable foundation of faith that binds us together.
Join us as we carry this legacy forward—for God, for country, and for the generations to come.
Best known as The Rifleman, Chuck Connors stood 6'5" and had a rare career as a two-sport pro athlete, playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Boston Celtics.
Before acting, he served in the U.S. Army during WWII and later rose to fame as Lucas McCain, one of TV’s first single fathers, teaching moral lessons in the Wild West.
In the 1960s, Connors called on communities to hold patriotic rallies to support American troops. Nampa’s God and Country Rally was among the first to respond—helping launch a legacy that still thrives today.
A proud American, Connors was even a guest at the White House and once gifted a cowboy hat to Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev during a diplomatic dinner.
Here are some of the artists and speakers that have come to this event.
Loren Ellis was the first recipient of the Treasure Valley God and Country Festival’s “Faith, Family and Freedom” Award in 1999. Designed after his passion for these values, this award has been presented to various community leaders who have a heart for Faith, Family, and Freedom. Additional award recipients include:
Honoring F. Willard “Robbie” Robinson, a WWI veteran and hero, the Military Service Award is presented to an individual who serves or has served in our US Military and our community. We recognize the tremendous sacrifices of those who have worked to protect our freedom. Though we would like to recognize ALL who have served, this award is designed to acknowledge the commitment and bravery of a local military servant.
The Treasure Valley God and Country festival is once again happy to provide American Sign Language interpreters.
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