The Fiddlers Jamboree is coming to Smithville this weekend, and the DeKalb County EMA hopes to keep it a safe and fun event.
DeKalb County EMA director Charlie Parker said the Jamboree tends to attract a family-oriented crowd, so dealing with people is rarely an issue. Parker said the weather is the biggest possible disruption, but vendors are equipped with a radio notification system.
“All the crafters, all the food booth people, all the emergency workers, EMS, police, fire, the guards that we have around on the streets, we can send global messages out to them,” Parker said. “Let them know weather’s approaching, so they can tell the crowds and inform them which way they need to go.”
Parker said EMA is in contact with five downtown Smithville churches, which may serve as weather shelters. Parker said the National Weather Service helps watch the skies during the event.
“They kind of help monitor our weather from Nashville,” Parker said. “We also have people here on site monitoring weather locally and trying to keep people safe. When we see bad weather coming, we’ll shut the event down temporarily until it’s over with and then start back up.”
Parker said the radio system is back this year after a successful debut at last year’s Jamboree. He said it helped keep everyone on the same page when the festival was shut down and reopened for rain.
Parker said the system can also be used in the event of a missing person. Stage public address announcers also have a radio, so they can inform large groups of festival goers about any alerts.
Crowds for this event are large and diverse, with attendees coming from alll across the country. Parker said thousands attend the event every year.
Parker said a Jamboree Committee works on planning the event throughout the year. The Committee, which begins meeting every August, is in charge of booking food and craft vendors, judges, and music.
Parker said the EMA has to plan for medical issues. He said EMS crews are on site to deal with heat related conditions.
“We have the regional Ambu-bus on site here this weekend so they can do some IV treatment on the bus without having to run so many ambulances,” Parker said. “The heat gets to be an issue with everyone walking around in the sun.”
Parker said people attending the Jamboree should stay hydrated while outside for long periods of time.
The Fiddlers Jamboree has been running since 1972. It strives to preserve traditional Appalachian bluegrass music and handmade crafts. Square dancing and musical events will be held throughout the Jamboree.
It will take place in in Downtown Smithville Friday and Saturday.
