Sara Stadem | Editor
The Hartford Jamboree Days (HJD) Committee started their planning for the upcoming event last fall with the committee wrapping up the final details. The schedule has been finalized for the approaching event with HJD taking place from Thursday, June 16 through Sunday, June 19.
According to committee member, Leah Johnson, there are approximately a dozen committee members that had their first meeting last September or October to gear up for the HJD festivities.
As for this year’s HJD, Johnson explained the majority of the events are close to the same as to what they have done in the past. “We kick off with the Little Miss Hartford Pageant and family movie night,” Johnson said. “Friday will be the car show and burnout with the live music and Saturday is all the events, top to bottom.”
When discussing the upcoming HJD, when asked what some of the more popular events are, Johnson said, “The real popular ones each year would be the burnout which really tracks a lot of attention.” She continued, “The parade is always good for all the families and music in the park. We moved it to the park last year and it was a huge success. We had extremely great attendance for it last year.”
Johnson explained that portion of the HJD was moved to the park partially due to the growth with HJD and to provide more room for community members to enjoy the music.
“Another big hit is Phil Baker Music and the West Central Jazz Band. They are always popular as well,” Johnson added.
For the children, Johnson explained the big hits are the inflatables and face painting. Face painting is back this year after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.
For those that are looking to participate in the HJD, the majority of events that require registration can be done prior to or the day of the event. The registration for the Little Miss Hartford Pageant ended May 31, according to Johnson. However, she further explained that was in order to get the contestants in the paper prior to the event. For those still wanting to participate in this, one would still be able to register if the registration is completed the weekend before pageant takes place. Anyone that would like to be a vendor would need to be registered in advance which can be done on their website which is hartfordjamboreedays.com.
Johnson explained HJD is always in need of extra volunteers. “We can always use extra hands especially when it comes down to the car show for registration,” Johnson said. “That seems to be the one thing that always falls behind.” Johnson further explained anyone that would like to volunteer their assistance for the car show would need to reach out to her prior to the event. “It’s not something you can walk up to me the night of and say you can help as it takes time to sit down and show someone how to do it. So, if you want to help, please let me know ahead of time and we can get you ready to go!” she said.
As for what Johnson is looking forward to most this year, she said, “I would honestly say the one thing I enjoy the most… well, that’s a tough one for me.” She continued, “Last year the best part was the music in the park because we had really good music and it’s where we are all together. It’s where our committee members and community all just kind of congregate there. That’s the last time our entire committee is together before HJD ends.”
Johnson added, “It was also the satisfaction that it was good for the community and good for the committee. Everyone had a good time and that’s important to us.”
A schedule of events can be located on their Facebook page Hartford Jamboree Days and their website. Johnson confirmed that if there is bad weather, they typically update their Facebook page with the information.
For anyone that would like to assist with the events or for more information on the HJD, please visit their Facebook page, visit their website or call Johnson at 605-941-0809.