Fiddlers’ Jamboree

Each year, thousands of bluegrass music lovers and musicians attend the annual Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival in Smithville, TN. Until I moved here, I had vaguely heard about this event but had not attended. This was the 52nd year for the free event offering 35 + music and dance categories, food and craft booths in a family friendly tradition each summer around Independence Day week-end. It is a salute to Appalachian art and culture around the DeKalb County courthouse.

Families in Smithville have enjoyed this for many years and it has now become one of my favorite family traditions as well. One year I went on vacation out of state during the festival and missed all of the activities. I won’t make that mistake again! There isn’t a lot that goes on here on summer week-ends (although we have new shops around the square- a great thing!) except our beautiful Center Hill Lake, so looking forward to this is, to quote native Bert Driver of Driver Nursery, “The Jamboree is like Christmas here!” You don’t want to miss out. People raised here come back to see old friends and family, out of town guests come to check out the latest craft booths and music and the kids come to hang out with friends and eat. There is something for everyone- especially if you enjoy bluegrass music and clogging!

My daughter and her husband arrived yesterday late afternoon after the rain had passed. We made our way around the square, hearing the familiar sounds of banjos and fiddles and the scent of BBQ and funnel cake. We found open wooden chairs in front of the stage and watched as old and young performed, hoping to win a prize. No telling how many other people have sat in those old wooden chairs thru the years. People now come from all over the world to enjoy what many take for granted.

A flood of memories came back as I remembered how my parents raised us listening to the Grand Ole Opry and how much I appreciate them introducing the love of music to me as a young child. As I watched my daughter nodding her head in step to the music, I realized I had done at least one thing right as a parent….

Make plans to join us next year….

Myra