The 42nd annual Brush Arbor Days will take place July 8-12 at the Lineville City Park in Lineville, Iowa, featuring five evenings of gospel-centered worship, music, guest speakers, and family activities.
Services are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. each evening, with a featured speaker or musical guest leading every program.
The opening night on July 8 will feature former Kansas City Chiefs mascot Dan Meers, who will discuss his 35-year career portraying KC Wolf and explain how faith influenced his professional journey.
Christian recording artist and ordained minister BJ Pons of Louisiana will perform and share the gospel on July 9. Pons previously served as a member of the Jimmy Swaggart worship team.
The Marshall/Osborne Band of Urbandale, Iowa, will present music and ministry on July 10. Band member Timothy Osborne was raised in Clio, Iowa.
The Jeff Arrandale Band of Des Moines, Iowa, will appear on July 11. Event spokesperson Norma Gott said Arrandale is a Nashville-produced Christian singer-songwriter whose group has more than 20 years of experience, multiple Christian country radio hits, and a musical style blending Christian rock with country music.
The final evening on July 12 will begin at 5:45 p.m. with Serve Mercer County serving walking tacos or hot dogs with chips. Christian comedian Jody Fuller will perform before the evening service. Jason Summers, founder of Cross the Goal Inc. of Albia, Iowa, will speak about faith, purpose, and making a positive impact.
According to Gott, each service will begin with two worship songs, followed by the offering and prayer requests. Local pastors will pray over the submitted requests.
Children who participate in the children’s message will receive a free ice cream cone coupon redeemable at Randy’s Short Stop in South Lineville.
Brush Arbor Days will again feature attendance punch cards. Guests who attend each evening will receive a punch, and fuel card winners will be selected during the Sunday evening program. A new incentive has also been added this year. Attendees who bring someone attending Brush Arbor for the first time will receive an entry into a separate drawing for a fuel gift card.
Event spokesperson Lori Porter said pastors representing seven churches in Lineville and Mercer County collaborate each year to organize the non-denominational event.
Organizers have updated the format for this year’s gathering by inviting outside speakers rather than relying on local pastors for the nightly messages. Gott acknowledged that some longtime attendees may miss the previous format but believes the changes will introduce fresh experiences, attract new visitors, and encourage more people to hear the gospel.
Porter said anonymous donors have supported Brush Arbor Days during the past two years, making it possible to invite a wider range of featured guests.
Gott said the event continues to be held outdoors for two primary reasons. Historically, brush arbors were temporary outdoor shelters built from tree limbs and brush to provide shade and protection during revival meetings led by circuit-riding preachers. She also said the outdoor setting offers a welcoming environment for people who may be hesitant to attend a church building, helping create an open and comfortable atmosphere for everyone.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. A tent will also be available to provide additional shade in the park.
If rain occurs during service times July 8-12, all programs will move to the Lineville Baptist Church.