The Cumberland Valley’s premier Christian music event, Vertical Festival, is planning a very exciting 5th Anniversary for it’s annual event. In addition to featuring top artists from across the nation, the festival will also host its first ever children’s program, Vertical Kidz and a special Youth Leader Seminar. Vertical Fest will be held Saturday, September 20th at the Shippensburg Fairgrounds in Shippensburg, PA.

The lineup for this year’s one-day event boasts over 15 bands including popular artists such as Family Force Five, Red, Fireflight, Run Kid Run, The Wedding, Children 18:3, The Glorious Unseen and John Reuben as well as American Idol’s Chris Sligh and hometown favorites the Ryan Payne Band. Award-winning author and speaker, Justin Lookadoo, will provide the evening message.

Two new additions for Vertical Festival 08 are the Youth Pastor Seminar and the Vertical Kidz program. The Youth Pastor Seminar will provide encouragement and resources to area youth leaders and their staff and will feature a special Q&A time with Lookadoo.

Aiming to be a family friendly event with something for everyone, Vertical Fest will also host its first ever children’s program, Vertical Kidz, which will feature face painting, story telling, games and prizes, kids worship, clowns, snacks and much more.

“We are very excited about the Festival this year!” exclaims Scott Brown, Festival Administrator. “We have a killer line up and the addition of the Youth Pastor Seminar and the Vertical Kidz areas allow us to reach even more people in the community by providing an aspect that everyone can be involved in. We’re anticipating that our fifth year will be our biggest and best yet!”

To make the 5th Anniversary even more special, Rita’s Italian Ice and Starbucks will be on site providing free treats the entire day and there will be a Guitar Hero Showdown and Wii gaming in the Video Den.

Tickets for Vertical Festival are $25 and can be purchased at area LifeWay Christian bookstores, online at www.verticaltickets.com and www.iTickets.com or at the festival entrance.

For more information about Vertical Festival, to see the full lineup or to sign up for the Youth Pastor Seminar, please visit www.verticalfest.com.