It’s jamboree time in Smithville
Are you ready, Smithville? It’s time to ‘pick up the fiddle and rosin up the bow.’
Despite high temperatures and high gasoline prices, Smithville will undergo its annual transformation from a rural, sleepy community into a major metropolitan-like area for two days this weekend for the 36th annual Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival.
Visitors, musicians and crafters from all over the country are expected again this year.
Last year, there were 478 contestants and event coordinator Neil Dudney said all indications are the numbers will be similar this year.
‘As many calls as I’ve had from surrounding states, it looks good,’ said Dudney about the expected participation in musical events. As for the visitors, Dudney doesn’t believe gas prices will have much of an impact.
‘I believe when the American people decide they are going to go somewhere, it doesn’t matter what the gas costs,’ he said. ‘I don’t think it will have much effect on the crowd.’
One of the unique things about the Jamboree, he pointed out, is the fact there is no admission charge.
‘I can’t get it any cheaper,’ he said. ‘The food is reasonably priced and it is an event where you can have the whole family here and it won’t cost you a pocketbook full of money.’
Following the opening ceremonies, the first of 25 categories of competition kick off at 9 a.m. Friday, with the Old-Time Appalachian Folk Singing event.
Other events Friday include, Flat Top Guitar; Junior Clogging (ages 13-39); Junior Buck Dancing (ages 13-39); Dobro Guitar; Mountain Dulcimer; Hammered Dulcimer; Old-Time Fiddle Band, Autoharp; Gospel Singing (solo); Country Harmonica; Old-Time Banjo; Gospel Singing (duet, trio and quartet) and Mandolin.
Saturday morning’s competition begins at 9 a.m. with the Junior Fiddlers (ages 13-39) category.
The James G. ‘Bobo’ Driver National Championship Country Musician Beginners Fiddlers’ Memorial Trophy and $175 will be presented to the best young fiddler and trophy and $125 will be presented to the Best Overall Instrumental Entertainer of the youngster events.
The evening will conclude with the ‘Fiddle Off’ between the Junior and Senior Fiddle winners. The winner will take home $300 and the Berry C. Williams Memorial Trophy.