Fiddler's Jamboree this weekend

The 46th annual Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree and Crafts Festival will be held Friday, June 30 and Saturday, July 1.

The festival begins at 9 a.m. each day, and continues until the final competition has been awarded.

With over 35 music and dance categories, streets full of hand-made crafts, and over a dozen food booths, there is something for everyone at the Jamboree.

The Jamboree doesn't just happen. It is well-planned and organized by the local merchants and businessmen and women who are dedicated and committed to preserving the heritage of country and bluegrass music and the culture of arts and crafts. The sponsoring organizations are the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Merchants Association, Rotary Club, and the Smithville Fire Department. The Jamboree is governed by a Board of Directors, and from the Board of Directors, a working committee is appointed to oversee each area of operation of the Jamboree.

The Jamboree is financed by contestants and craftsmen registration fees, souvenir booklet advertisers, sales of souvenir booklets, etc. This is a non-profit organization, and Board members and committee members serve without pay.

Registration for all contestants will be held behind the stage. No advance registration is required for singers, musicians, dancers and entertainers. Friday registration times are 8 a.m. Until 15 minutes before each category begins.