Casting Crowns, one of the top Christian groups in the nation, will make a stop to play at Freedom Fest in Warner Robins on September 9 as they travel back from a concert at Disney's Night of Joy in Orlando, Florida, to their home church near Atlanta. Mark Hall, lead singer, and the six members of Casting Crowns make an effort to come home every Sunday to Eagle's Landing Baptist Church to lead worship and minister to their 400 plus youth group. Casting Crown's tour pastor and preacher, Tony Nolan, will be the featured speaker at Freedom Fest. Noted as one of America's top evangelists, Nolan shares the good news across America though radio, TV, conferences, Christian concerts, and church events. His passion is "helping people get it about God's great love and salvation!"

"Whether you are 6 years old or 80 years old, you will love Tony Nolan and his message of Jesus," said Carl Runyon, Freedom Fest's founder and organizer.

Special guests include LordSong, nationally known for their appearances with Mark Lowery and the Gaithers, and Kevin Derryberry, nationally acclaimed solo artist who recently completed a tour with Billy Graham. Additionally, American Family Radio (AFR) (88. 9FM) will broadcast Freedom Fest 2006 live remote to 38 states. JJ Jasper, the morning host of AFR, again will be the Master of Ceremony.

"Freedom Fest is held in honor of our community's brave soldiers, sheriffs, policemen, firemen, and their families to thank them for their service and to say thank you to God for the blessing of freedom," Runyon said.

Southside Baptist is expecting from 12 to 15, 000 people to attend the free event this year. In addition to inviting Governor Perdue, Mayor Walker, Sheriff Talton, chiefs of the police and fire departments, and military dignitaries, Runyon extends a special invitation to all warfighters, fire, police and sheriff department members as special guests.

"I'm retired Military (Army), and my son-in-Law, Michael Austin, is a disabled National Guard veteran of the War in Iraq. We started Freedom Fest in 2002 when we lived in Alabama in honor of those who protect our freedoms. When we moved to Warner Robins, Georgia, it was a great blessing to have Southside Baptist Church want to honor those who daily protect our freedoms as well by hosting Freedom Fest. We can't thank our warfighters, sheriff, fire, and police departments enough," Runyon said. The afternoon and evening will be filled with music, food, and family fun (including a Kids Zone) for everyone. Georgia Bob's Barbeque and Cold Stone Creamery will be the major food vendors on site. People who come to Freedom Fest will also have a chance to win a cruise. The night will end with a huge fireworks display.

Runyon is fortunate to have the support of over 100 volunteers helping behind the scenes to bring this Christian festival together.

"Our Pastor Jerry Walls, his wife Debbie and the members of Southside Baptist are the key to the event. Our team is made up of Gary and Rebecca Lashley (Allstate Insurance); Randall and Peggy Nash; Bryan and Teresa Wurster; Donna Williams (Meadowdale Learning Center); Don Milligan (Malone's Custom Cabinets); Michael and Lindsey Austin; Jerry and Debbie Walls, and my wife Phyllis," Runyon said. Runyon also expresses thanks to the media who have gotten the word out about this free ministry event: American Family Radio, Local 102. 1 ( The Hook, and their Staff); 103. 9 The Patriot (Hank Brigmond, General Mgr); and WGNM 64 and to all of the corporate sponsors, who have graciously given of their resources to make this event happen.

"Our hope is that thousands will come to honor our great God, this Country, and those who daily protect its freedoms and that God's Word would be proclaimed in word and music," Runyon said.