Father-and-son duo Phil and Alan Robertson of the Duck Dynasty empire kicked off the ICRS Change a Life Festival, Worship Him and Celebration Showcase on Sunday night in Atlanta. A crowd of several hundred Christian retailers, suppliers and local residents gathered at the Georgia World Congress Center for an afternoon and evening “festival” of performances, film clips and guest speakers to encourage and inspire.

CBA President Curtis Riskey said retailers were treated to “Phil unfiltered” as the family’s patriarch spoke frankly on his political views.

“You can’t be right for America and wrong with God,” said Robertson, who also recently spoke at a Republican Party event.

He also encouraged everyone to register to vote.

“Vote the ungodly and depraved out,” he said, finishing up the evening by reminding believers to “love God and our neighbor.”

Alan Robertson told retailers how important it is to keep making a difference in this world, whether it’s to millions, like his family’s television show or to one life at a time. Miss Kay also made a brief appearance to greet the audience.

The Robertsons will be on hand throughout ICRS, making appearances at the opening ribbon-cutting ceremony and book signings on the exhibit floor.

The Sunday opening event raised funds and food for Buckhead Christian Ministry (BCM), a local nonprofit that aids the working poor. The Change a Life Festival included a children’s area with activities from several authors, including Michelle Cox of Just 18 Summers; a variety of vendor booths; and performances by 13-year-old Abigail Duhon, featured in the recent film God’s Not Dead; Peter Furler Band; Macon, Georgia-based JJ Weeks band; and comedienne Anita Renfroe, among others. The afternoon portion of the event was emceed by actor, writer and comedian Torry Martin, perhaps best known in the Christian market for developing the Adventures in Odyssey character Wooten.

In the evening, the atmosphere turned to worship as best-selling author and pastor Kyle Idleman (AHA, David C Cook) encouraged retailers, and popular recording group For King & Country performed to kick off the 65th annual show.

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