Jamboree brings community together

For the 59th year, guitar strings are ready to hum and country songs to resound in Floyd.

Floyd’s 59th annual Country Jamboree is scheduled for Thursday through Sunday, and is showcasing more than 25 performers. The Floyd Lions Club organizes the event.

Thursday through Saturday’s performances feature country music, and Sunday showcases Gospel music. The Lions Club will recognize the Outstanding Citizen of the Year on Saturday during intermission.

“A lot of effort goes into making the show, but we all love it,” Master of Ceremonies Dave Nash said.

To Nash, it is special because Floyd is a small community and small communities are “drying up,” he said. Many people get involved with the Lions Club and the show.

“This is a way for the community to come together and do things,” Nash said.

Eight musicians gather to form one band, which plays for different singers.

Lions Club Secretary and Jamboree director Fred Patterson said some musicians have played with Jamboree band for a long time. Ronny Fouts has participated “on and off” since the 1960s, and Linda Miller Brown and Wayne Buchanan have also been with the band for some time.

For the first time this year, Mitzi Miller, LoVita Frusher, Laverne Standifer and Matt Benoit are singing in the Jamboree.

Benoit was a member of the Kacee Lovato Band. Frusher and Standifer were members of the Cochran Sisters, and are back after a 20-year absence from the Jamboree.

In addition, Patterson plans to perform a song for the first time. He will sing “Elvira.”

Attendance averages 250 a day.

The Jamboree is the Lions Club fundraiser, and the money goes to meet the needs in the community.

What: Floyd’s 59th Annual Country Jamboree

When: 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday for Gospel music

Where: Old Gym at Floyd High School.

Proceeds go to:

• Three $1,000 scholarships to Floyd seniors

• Floyd Community Center water bill

• Eye glasses for students in all three Roosevelt County school districts

• Sports teams in community youth programs

• Student trips for state, national and international experiences

• Community members who have experienced medical or other catastrophes

• Equipment for Floyd Schools and community activities

• Musical instruments for students