Tuesday, July 2, 2013 9:28 am

The 2013 Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival will be held on the square in downtown Smithville on Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6 starting at 9 a.m. both days.

The well-respected bluegrass festival, celebrating its 42nd year, is committed to preserving Appalachian music, dance and craft, a mission that is apparently being accomplished judging from the thousands of spectators that come to even from every state in the union as well as many visitors from abroad.

More than 150 craft booths filled with handmade creations, plus a variety of food vendors, will fill the streets surrounding the courthouse this year.

Featured entertainment will come in the form of bluegrass and Appalachian music and dance competitions on the stage situated on the east side of the square. These performances are broadcast live on public television that's with WCTE-TV and DTC Channel 3.

Folding chairs are provided for the audience, but guests often bring softer seating in the form of lawn or camp chairs.

Shade-tree picking and jam sessions can be found around the courthouse lawn.

Since its beginning in 1972, the old-time Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival has grown into a major event, drawing hundreds of musicians and crafts people, as well as many thousands of spectators from throughout the world.

The festival began as a small town event, as a way to celebrate the Independence Holiday, just as generations before had done on the Court Square. It continues that tradition today - a throwback to days gone by - paying homage to the music and art of our ancestors, reminding us of the simple pleasures to be had from gathering together and enjoying the pure, unadulterated sound of live Appalachian music.

The energy of these timeless bluegrass tunes can't be denied as they ring through the streets and bounce off the downtown buildings of Smithville, pop. 4,305. This small southern town is as friendly as it gets and proudly welcomes the visitors that swell its population many times over each July.

You're specially invited to come and experience this unforgettable event. Peruse the wide variety of crafts booths, grab a barbecue sandwich or a corn dog and an ice cold lemonade, find a seat near the stage, and sit back and enjoy one of the best free shows around…we guarantee your toes will be tappin' in no time!