Tuesday, July 2, 2013 12:54 pm

For the 28^th consecutive year, WCTE will air coverage of the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival, an event created in 1972 to preserve traditional Appalachian artistry.  This year’s Jamboree promises the music, dancing, and singing that you’ve come to love – as well as some new surprises.

 The live coverage by WCTE-TV/PBS gives people from all over the country the chance to soak in the Appalachian music, dancing, clogging, folk singing and the related novelty events like spoon clacking, jug blowing, washboard, tub and saw playing. The Southern Tourism Society has selected the Jamboree as a “Top 20 Tourist Favorite,” and the American Business Associates have named the Jamboree in the top 100 tourist events in North America.

 Rob Ramsey, vice-chair of the Jamboree board of directors, reveals the folk singing competition now includes duet, trio, and quartet categories. “We’ve also got two-time National Flatpicking champ Roy Curry as head music judge and dance expert Jeff Driggs as head dance judge, which should be interesting,” Ramsey commented. “The DeKalb Community Chorus, which has been a beloved staple at the festival, will also be back this year on Friday night, so everyone’s excited about that!”

 You can watch the Jamboree fun, on WCTE, Ch. 10 Charter, Ch. 22 Dish & DIRECT. You can also catch the action on DTC Ch. 22, Ben Lomand Ch. 22, and Comcast Ch. 6.