History of the Festival

The God and Country Festival began during a movement organized by western actor Chuck Connors during the sixties to promote our country's founding ideals and faith in God.

The God and Country Family Festival has a rich history which began when sixties western film star, Chuck Connors of the popular “Rifleman” television series helped launch patriotic parades across the nation.
The first patriotic parade, now “Parade America” started in 1966 on the Wednesday night before the 4th of July. The parade was so successful it was moved to the 3rd Saturday in May and continues to be sponsored by the Exchange Club of Nampa.
The God and Country Association was formed to continue the God and Country Rally, now called “The God and Country Family Festival”. Originally held at Lakeview Park it was moved to the Idaho Center in 2000 and continues to be a FREE community event on the traditional Wednesday preceding the 4th of July!
This old fashioned, patriotic and religious festival places emphasis on the words and ideals of our nation’s founders, and special recognition is given to those who serve in the military, both active-duty and veterans. Local public servants, especially law enforcement and emergency service personnel are also honored.
Nampa held its first rally back in 1966. When the event moved to the Idaho Center in 2000, the name was changed from "God and Country Rally" to "God and Country Festival."
Here are some of the artists and speakers that have come to this event.
  • 2019 - Seventh Time Down  - Maddie Zahm
  • 2018 - Unspoken
  • 2017 - Mac Powell
  • 2016 - Danny Gokey
  • 2015 - Unspoken
  • 2014 - Audio Adrenaline
  • 2013 - Ryan Stevenson
  • 2012 - MIKESCHAIR
  • 2011 - The Afters
  • 2010 - Needtobreathe
  • 2009 - Brandon Heath
  • 2008 - Mark Schultz
  • 2007 - Phillips, Craig and Dean
  • 2006 - Point of Grace
  • 2005 - SONICFLOOD
  • 2004 - Phillips, Craig and Dean
  • 2003 - Idaho Supreme Court Justice Daniel Eismann
  • 2002 - Go for Broke
  • 2001 - Pastor Ed McGlasson
  • 2000 - Pastor Ed McGlasson
Musicians
Faith Family & Freedom Award
F. Willard Robinson Military Service Award

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:

  • 2024
  • 2023 - Bette Dale-Moore - Bette Dale Moore is a music and drama teacher with more than 35 years of classroom experience in grades Kindergarten through College. Retired. She taught music and drama in the public schools where her upper elementary musical RAD: Race Against Drugs is in its 24th year of touring performances. Bette is also the drama director in her home church where she writes and directs both a massive Easter pageant (showing annually to over 8,000) and a weekly Treasure Cove: Spiritual Adventure Series for children’s ministry (OVER 20 YEARS!).
  • 2022 - Mayor Debbie Kling - Mayor of Nampa, Past Director for Nampa Chamber of Commerce
  • 2021- Mark Thornton- Community Pastor at Capital Church, Volunteer Chaplain @ Boise State University,
    Life & Character Coach, Director at I Heart Treasure Valley
  • 2019 - Lorraine Ann Priddy 1928-2019 Lorraine Priddy "Sweet Lorraine" was a Brooklyn born Lebanese fireball, an epic human who was fierce, feminine and fanatical about her family. A tireless prayer warrior, intuitive business woman, a trail blazer for women in leadership and great lover of family, food and fun. A leader of Christian Coalition Idaho. Through her prayer, faith and encouragement she affected elected officials and leaders throughout the State and Nation. Her family and legacy continue to impact our community, state, nation and the world helping to develop business and non-profits that impact lives. Award received by her sons John, Ed and Mark.
  • 2018 - Carolyn Kling Keech
    The owner of Green Barley Nutrition Center has been a businesswoman, speaker, author, and teacher since starting her nutrition business in 1982. She has been a leading crusader for her faith, for her family, and for her country. Carolyn is also an active and faithful church member, team ministry to City Light Home for Women and Children for over 15 years.
  • 2017 - Vern Carpenter
    Founding member of the Waymark Singers, Owner Brown Bus Company with Sons, Rotarian, Snake River Stampede Board Member and originator of the Stamped Stage Coach and Historic Brown Bus. Nampa, ID
  • 2016 - Vincent Kituku
    Founder/Director--Caring Hearts and Hands of Hope, Inc at Kituku & Associates Founder & Executive Director at Caring Hearts & Hands of Hope Studied at Unversity on Nairobi ‘85 Lives in Eagle, Idaho
  • 2015 - John Boyd
    8th President of MAF-US in January 2008.
    Pilot for MAF in 1994. MAF-South Africa CEO in 2000
    2003 U.S. VP of Ministry Advancement for MAF-US
  • 2014 – Patti N. Syme
    Broker, Co-Owner Syme Real Estate, Past President of NAOR, Canyon County Chapter WCR, and Caldwell Rotary
  • 2013 – Daniel T. Eismann
    Idaho Supreme Court Justice, Double Purple Heart Recipient, Published Author - Freedom is Your Destiny
  • 2012 – Bill Downs
    First Church of the Nazarene, Community Volunteer
  • 2011 – Rev. Bill Roscoe
    Executive Director of the Boise Rescue Mission, Chaplain Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, Community Volunteer
  • 2010 – David J. Ferdinand, II
    Past God & Country Chair, Board Member, Former County Commissioner, Gospel Music Ministry.
  • 2009 – Richard N. Shaw
    Founder of Christian Radio in the Treasure Valley including KBGN AM and KBXL FM in Caldwell, Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Caldwell
  • 2008 – Norm Rutzen
    Retired Pastor Valley Pentecostal Church, lifetime minister and participant in building the faith community.
  • 2007 – Don Brandt
    G&C Treasure Valley Festival, Salvation Army Volunteer (40+ yrs), Local philanthropist. Broker/Owner Brandt Agency
  • 2006 – Mike Locknane
    G&C Chair, Treasurer, long-time member association, lay-minister, local ministries.
  • 2005 – Dee Sarton
    KTVB News Anchor, Minister to Community Families,
    Singer-Song writer musician, event MC.
  • 2004 – Col. Curtis Bowers
    101st Airborne Chaplin, Author, local minister, military support for families.

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.

  • 2024
  • 2023 - Sgt Larre' Robertson - Bugles Across America.  After 55 years of sounding Taps, Memorial Day 2024, will be my last. 
  • 2022 - PO1 Nathan Rau, Petty Officer 1st Class US Coast Guard
  • 2021 - SgtMaj Bill Heyob (Ret.) Marine
  • 2019 - James Earp
  • 2018 - Phil Hawkins
  • 2017 - William “Augie” Augsberger
  • 2016 - Double E Hill
  • 2015 - Dan Pugsley
  • 2014 - Dr. Roland Morrison
  • 2013 - Merril Talman
  • 2012 - Garret Longstreet
  • 2011 - Chaplain Vahan Sipantzi
  • 2010 - F. Willard Robinson, Ed. D
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  • Idaho Center Rules

    No food or drink can be brought into the Idaho Center, except for baby food and bottles.

    You can bring opened water bottles to fill in the drinking fountains if you wish.

    No high-back lawn chairs, all chairs must be low backed and have legs 8" or less. No camping chairs. Blankets are subject to inspection.

    Sound volume varies throughout the bowl area. We recommend finding a seat where the volume is comfortable for you and your family.

  • ASL Interpreting

    The Treasure Valley God and Country festival is once again happy to provide American Sign Language interpreters.

    ASL Interpreters

  • Show your LOVE for God and Country

    Donation to the God and Country Festival

    Donation to the God and Country Festival

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