Annual celebration brings young and old to Viola

By JAMES CLARK / Editor for the Southern Standard (McMinnville, Tenn.)

Doing their rendition of the Soggy Bottom Boys for the On the Road Again Show are, from left, Travis Swann, Johnny Sweeton and Russell Bess. Hundreds packed the Viola grandstand Friday to hear a performance that featured 19 acts. (James Clark photo)

It’s not hard to see a resemblance between Doug Jacobs and legendary fiddler Charlie Daniels. And that’s the way Jacobs likes it.

“There’s not a bigger fan around,” said Jacobs when asked about his performance Friday night during Viola Valley Homecoming. “I’ve done this act so much, some people call me Charlie Daniels.”

Jacobs was one of 19 acts to perform during the famous On the Road Again Show which features local residents lip-synching songs by popular artists. Jacobs broke out his fiddle to perform Charlie Daniels’ “Orange Blossom Special.” Songs were also performed by locals imitating singers such as Reba McIntire, Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Elvis Presley and Dottie West.

Jacobs was around when the On the Road Again Show first got its start over 20 years ago. It all began as a fund-raiser for Viola’s school when Jacobs’ daughter, Amanda, was in kindergarten. “It’s amazing what parents will do for their kids,” said Jacobs.

Over the years, Jacobs, Bill Underwood and Tom Thaxton are some of the regulars who have done a variety of acts. They dressed up like the California Raisins back when they were popular in the ’80s to sing the song, “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.”

Jacobs and Underwood showed they are still a hilarious team Friday night when the two combined to perform Ray Stevens’ song “Ahab the Arab.” Underwood walked on stage wearing an elaborate costume that made it appear he was riding a camel. Jacobs showed up in a not-so-flattering bikini outfit.

“I’ve done this so many times, it’s like eating breakfast,” said Underwood, who indicated the On the Road Again Show has generated over $250,000 in donations since it first started in 1976.

Other performers have not been around so long. It was the first show for the trio of Amanda Kisamore, Hillary Bess and Kara Freeman who did the song “Little Goodbyes” by SHeDAISY.

“I’m nervous right now, real nervous,” said Bess moments before taking the stage.

Probably the biggest crowd pleaser was a performance of “In Constant Sorrow” by the Soggy Bottom Boys. With Russell Bess serving as the singer, and Johnny Sweeton and Travis Swann as his sidekicks, the three pranced around in true country fashion.

The annual Viola Valley Homecoming was far more than Friday night’s On the Road Again Show. Onlookers packed the streets on a steamy August morning to see the parade make its way through downtown Viola.

Motorcycles, mules, antique cars and horseback riders were all part of the parade. There were also the traditional crafts that were set up throughout the day, and tractor pulls in the afternoon and evening.