30th Annual Huron Pioneer Thresher & Hobby Association 1991 Reunion, 1991-09-04, Page 11THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1991. PAGE A-ll.
"iHuronTioneer'‘Hires herRunion '91
Jamborees, jam sessions let fiddlers play on
What began as entertainment for the
womenfolk, while the men took in the
other activities at the Huron County
Pioneer Thresher Reunion, has
mushroomed into one of its most popular
events.
The Friday night Fiddler's Jamboree
evolved when organizers realized some
years ago that while there was always lots
at the reunion for the men to enjoy, there
was little for the family they brought with
them. Thus the idea of a talent show was
bom.
Gladys VanEgmond, who took over the
organization of the event in 1985,
remembers that eventually the fiddle
players began to dominate the
entertainment, so it wasn't long before it
became known as the Fiddler's Jamboree.
Since then it has also expanded to include
an open competition on the Saturday
afternoon. Musicians are required to play
a waltz, jig and hoedown, which are
judged by a qualified team of adjudicators.
The prize money for the winners isn't
the reason the musicians compete, says
Mrs. VanEgmond. "The prize money at
Blyth isn't high, so really the competition
doesn't mean a lot For these people it's the
enjoyment of getting up in front of people
and performing. For many, like the
beginning step-dancers, on-stage exposure
is a learning and growing opportunity, she
adds.
Guaranteeing that as much talent as
possible is on hand for the Jamboree is a
busy undertaking. Mrs. VanEgmond
personally sent out invitations to the
participants from the previous year, in
addition to spending time in between
scouting new talent. "I personally attend a
The Fiddler's Jamboree has become one of the most popular events at the Thresher Reunion. Fiddlers travel from
far and wide for a chance to come and play on stage. Besides the Jamboree there is also a fiddler’s contest.
number of jamborees and contests every
year and if I come in contact with a talent
I make it a point to introduce myself and
tell him about the Thresher Reunion
Jamboree," she says. When she gets a
name and address it is added to her file for
the next reunion. This year she sent a total
of 150. "This is my way of encouraging
musicians to come and participate."
Some 60 fiddlers did just that last year
and Mrs. VanEgmond expects the same
number at this Jamboree. To
accommodate the musicians the
committee has arranged for more facilities
for the jammers.
In addition to the Jamboree at night and
the competition in the afternoon, visitors
to the Reunion can listen to country and
western music on the van stage on both
Saturday and Sunday afternoon. "If
anyone has an instrument and they want a
chance to get on stage and do a couple of
numbers with the band, I have suggested
they be encouraged to do so," she said.
"These musicians like to join in, they like
to play. It's good PR (Public relations) for
us. It's not something they have the chance
to do anywhere else."
Welcome to Radford
Home of Huron County's own THRESHER'S ASSOCIATION
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF BRINGING
YOU THE BEST IN STEAM SHOWS
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