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45th Jamboree hits high mark |
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Monday, 13 July 2009 |
By KRISTA HAYES
Staff Writer
CRIDERSVILLE — More than 8,000 people attended the Cridersville Firemen’s Jamboree this past weekend, helping to drawn in a record-breaking attendance rating for the 45th annual event held on a stretch of pavement in the heart of Cridersville.
“On Friday we had just over a little more than 4,000 people attend the Jamboree, up from previous years, and on Saturday it was about the same,” Cridersville Fire Chief Ron Mertz said. “This year, I think we had the largest crowd ever to show up to the Jamboree in its 45 year existence, which was great.”
Despite rainy weather, Mertz said this year’s Jamboree was one for the books.
“This year’s Jamboree was one of the best out of the 45 years we have been holding the event,” Mertz said. “Everyone was in great spirits, the economy did not affect the Jamboree and everyone just came out to meet with friends and have a good time, which is exactly what was expected. It was a great Jamboree and overall I was very satisfied with how it all turned out given the weather.”
Celebrating the village’s fire department, local and area residents gathered Friday for traditional games, rides, bingo, a grand prize drawing and some of the best barbecue in the region, according to organizers of the event.
Country singer Jim Boedicker returned again this year followed by the music group First Due. While the bands performed on stage, others enjoyed the views of approximately 80 cars during the classic car show, returning for its fourth year at the event.
While rain threatened for most of the morning and early afternoon, forcing attendees to seek shelter under the entertainment tent, the annual parade managed to still be held at 1 p.m.
“The rain really didn’t seem to damper the spirits of the Jamboree this weekend, although it did slow down attendance Saturday somewhat, but that didn’t stop people from coming out to enjoy the parade,” Mertz said. “Since the rain started later in the afternoon Saturday, people still got the chance to enjoy the festivities while huddling under the tent during the short periods of rainfall.”
Rides, food and games also continued on Saturday, before Boedicker performed once more, followed by the Danger Brothers.
“This year we had 16 major prizes including everything from a 42-inch plasma screen TV and a desktop computer, to patio furniture, his and her bikes and a lawnmower,” Mertz said.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 14 July 2009 )
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