George, Wash., July 28 – The first day of Creation Fest 2005 West ended yesterday with an energetic encore of “Here With Me” by INO Records artist MercyMe.

“Thank you, God bless you guys,” said MercyMe frontman Bart Millard as the band left the stage.

An eclectic blend of punk, pop, and alternative rock filled the main stage at the Gorge Amphitheater yesterday for the first evening of the Creation West Festival 2005. Singing, shouting, dancing and worshipping could be seen amongst the thousands gathered as acclaimed artists BarlowGirl, The David Crowder Band, Relient K and MercyMe performed under a banner that read “A Tribute to our Creator.”

“Music is pretty much my life; I’m practically obsessed with it,” said Jennie Nichols, 19, who also attended last year’s Creation West festival. “And so I just like coming and listening to the bands, especially in a beautiful setting like this.”

While music filled the main stage for a majority of today’s festival events, placed at the center of today’s Creation activities was the Word of God.

“Lord, we come right now, and as thirsty as we are for water many times, we want to be thirsty for Your Word; we want to be thirsty for what You want to say to our hearts and lives,” prayed an emcee at the event, who also announced that concession stands would be closed during the sermon.

Delivering the message at tonight’s event was rapper/speaker L.G. Wise, who asked Creation attendees the question, “Which side you are really on?”

“You’re in the world, but don’t let the world get in you,” said Wise, who spoke for approximately 30 minutes.

While only exposed snapshot of what’s to come at Creation West, many attendees have already been touched by the atmosphere of the festival.

“We’re all focused towards one thing and that’s worshipping God and enjoying His creation,” said Nichols. “Everyone sings along when we’re down watching the concerts, and it’s just one big worship festival. We’re worshipping our Creator and there’s so much love – you don’t have to worry about stuff getting stolen and smoking and drinking and swearing, it’s all family and friends, and just a wonderful atmosphere.”