|
|
The Annual Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival
Wholesome Fun for the Entire Family
|
The world famous annual Smithville Fiddler's Jamboree began as the idea of
the late Congressman Joe L. Evins
and his close friend, Berry C. Williams, as a way to showcase the progress
made by the federally funded Model Cities Program begun in the early
1970's. Congressman Evins was
always looking for ways to promote his hometown, and realized a country
music celebration and crafts festival would be a perfect way to
incorporate his dreams.
Williams took on the role as event organizer, and after much planning,
preparation and promotion, the first Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree was
held on July 1-2, 1972 on a stage built on the steps of the DeKalb County
Courthouse, and has been held annually since then at the same place on the
first weekend nearest to the 4th of July.
The first two-day Jamboree attracted 714 musicians representing 16
states, and was attended by an estimated audience of 8,000.
Musicians and dancers competed in 13 categories for total prize money of
$1,230.00. T. Tommy Cutrer from the Grand Ole Opry and Tom
Perryman from WVTS Radio were the first masters of ceremonies. Local WJLE Radio personality Ralph Vaughn and Charley
Thompson served as backup announcers.
Thompson also served as coordinator of the first Jamboree. |
Joe L. Evins (left) and Berry C.
Williams during the playing of the National Anthem 1975 |
 |
The original stage was small, made from plywood with no backdrop.
As the years passed, a rustic backdrop was built.
In 1985, Lloyd Cole designed and built a portable stage for the
contestants with a typical country storefront that displays Coca-Cola
signs, curtains and lamps. In
1996, a new stage was purchased with money from a state grant that was
obtained by the late State Senator Tommy Burks and State Representative
Frank Buck. |
|
In 1974, a broader tribute to Appalachian art and culture was added with
the participation of 100 artisans and craftsmen from 12 states who set up
booths around the Smithville town square. This has grown to over 300 participants who sell and display
authentic pioneer and contemporary crafts under the high standards set by
local resident and former 21-year Director of Crafts, Lavelle Smith.
Continuing those traditions of excellence is the current Director,
Ria Baker. |
 |
|
James G. "Bobo" Driver, longtime Registrar and Director of Contestants,
believed in and was committed to furthering the preservation of
traditional country music.
In 1984, he added a new competitive category, "The National Championship
for Country Musician Beginners" for ages to 12 years old.
This provided an opportunity for young folks to participate.
The original sponsor of this category, Cracker Barrel Restaurants,
is still sponsoring the event.
Since 1993, the family of the late James G. "Bobo" Driver has
presented a trophy to the outstanding beginner overall musician. |
 |
 |
As a reminder of the pioneering contributions of Berry C. Williams, each
year there is a Junior and Senior Fiddle-Off Grand Championship, and the
Berry C. Williams Award trophy is given to the Grand Champion Fiddler. |
|
Present day audiences are estimated to be well over 100,000, with regular
visitors from all 50 states and several foreign countries.
The annual Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival is
planned and organized by local merchants, business leaders and civic
organizations under the direction of skilled Jamboree coordinator, Neil
Dudney. The volunteer group
is committed to the preservation and heritage of country and bluegrass
music and the culture of arts and crafts. |
 |
|
The sponsoring organizations are:
the Smithville-DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce, the Smithville
Downtown Merchants' Association, the Rotary Club, and the Smithville Fire
Department. In 1989, the
Jamboree was incorporated as a non-profit corporation, and is governed by
a Board of Directors made up of a representative from each of the
sponsoring organizations. The
Jamboree is financed by registration fees paid by contestants and booth
participants, and through the sale of ads contained in the annual souvenir
booklet as well as booklet sales.
Working committees are appointed to oversee each area of operation
of the Jamboree. |
 |
The Jamboree has been featured in several nationally renowned magazines,
including National Geographic Traveler.
In addition, the Jamboree has been selected as one of the "Top 20
Tourist Favorites" by the Southeast Tourism Society and as one of the "Top
100 Tourist Events in North America" according to a list compiled by the
American Bus Association.
|
|
In 1992, the Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival was rated
fourth best event in the U.S. to spend a summer vacation by Vacation
magazine. The magazine
described the event as family oriented and "is among the top rated
bluegrass, folk and Appalachian music competitions in the nation, drawing
50,000 visitors over two days and contestants from as far away as
Australia." |
|
 |
In 1997, the Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival was
designated by the Tennessee state legislature and the U.S. Congress as
"The Tennessee and National Official Jamboree and Crafts Festival."
WCTE, Channel 22, a PBS affiliate based in nearby Cookeville, TN,
annually televises the Jamboree and, in cooperation with the Southern
Education Communication Association, syndicates the event to affiliates
around the U.S. and the world. |
|
From the dreams and determination of Congressman
Joe L. Evins and Berry C. Williams,
the Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival continues the
preservation of the country, folk, bluegrass and Appalachian music and
crafts arts.
As a
fitting tribute,
Joe L. Evins Appalachian Center for the Crafts was built overlooking
beautiful Center Hill Lake, just minutes north of Smithville on State
Route 56. The Craft Center is a nationally renowned facility
dedicated to expanding the influence of craft on contemporary art while
preserving craft traditions, and to offering top quality academic and
professional programs in fine craft media, including the BFA degree and
professional craft certificates.
For more information about the Smithville
Fiddlers' Jamboree and how to become a contestant or craft booth
participant, contact: Mr. Neil Dudney, Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree
Coordinator, P. O. Box 83, Smithville, TN 37166.
The office is located on the basement floor of the DeKalb County
Courthouse, Public Square, Smithville, TN.
Telephone number: (615) 597-8500.
|
Top of Page
|
