News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
One of the biggest traditions of DeKalb County returns for the 51st year this Friday: the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree.
Marketing Director Shan Stout said the two-day festival will bring in several musicians and dance performers of all ages competing in their respective category.
“Tradition is what has kept the Jamboree such a wonderful, recurring event that has really stood the test of time, and it is just coming back and reliving your memories and making new memories with your family,” Stout said.
Stout said the jamboree has rekindled a partnership with the Grand Ole Opry for this year’s event. Stout said for the first time in decades, the grand fiddler champion will perform at the Opry.
“They’re actually going to open the show with the Opry Square Dancers by playing a fiddle tune,” Stout said. “This is a wonderful opportunity. The President of the Grand Ole Opry is Dan Rogers. He is a long-time supporter and fan of the jamboree. He’s helped us throughout the years when he was on the marketing side of things, and now as president, he has opened the door back again.”
The festival kicks off Friday at 9:00 a.m. About 12 hours of competitions and performances are scheduled. Saturday will start the same time with the championship rounds that night.
“We have a brand new stage, brand new lighting, brand new sound,” Stout said. “Everything is like a shiny new penny. It’s just beautiful and all handicap accessible. We’re bringing back our inclusive categories again, and already have some virtual inclusive music competitors that have submitted videos to compete with the inclusive dancers that will come on stage. We are just really trying to make it accessible for every single person across the United States.”
Stout said the family-friendly event is free for all to attend. Stout said the jamboree will also air on WCTE and PBS stations for this who cannot attend.
