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.

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