UPPER CUMBERLAND – Cookeville-WCTE PBS will premiere the “Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree Virtual Competition” on-air and via stream at wcte.org on Saturday, July 4 at 5 p.m. Due to COVID-19, the board members of the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree voted to suspend the 49th Annual Smithville Jamboree Crafts & Arts Festival in downtown Smithville, July 3 and 4 this year, and do a virtual competition instead.
WCTE will also be airing a Jamboree Marathon, produced by WCTE Senior Producer, Craig Gray, from noon to 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to midnight on Friday, July 3 and at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 4. The marathon will air throughout the day and in the evenings around other high-profile programming. The marathon will feature Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree moments from the vault that were shot many years ago.
“WCTE has been a part of the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree in downtown Smithville for over 30 years, shooting it live every year. We’re so happy to partner with the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree board on a virtual Jamboree competition this year to provide central Tennessee an opportunity to experience the Jamboree in a virtual environment.” said Brent Clark, director of content & digital media.”
Contestants submitted videos on the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree Facebook page in May for the beginner fiddler, junior fiddler, senior fiddler, junior clogging, senior clogging, contest fielder and the great fiddle-off championship that everyone looks forward to seeing year after year. All the contestant videos were judged by official judges of the virtual jamboree.
WCTE is planning to be back next year for the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree 50th Anniversary to help celebrate this milestone with talented musicians, dancers, crafters, vendors and fans.
WCTE has served the Upper Cumberland for 40+ years as the region’s premier storyteller and is the only television station in a 75-mile radius of Cookeville. WCTE is a proud strategic partner with educators, health services, government, arts and music organizations across the Upper Cumberland. WCTE is a 501-(c) 3 and is owned and operated by the Upper Cumberland Broadcast Council. WCTE is one of only 350 PBS member stations nationwide.
