Sara Stadem | Editor
Even though the Jamboree Days Committee is not quite sure when Jamboree Days was first born, they know that it continues to grow, according to Jamboree Days Committee President Leah Johnson.
Originally, it started off being called Virginia’s Games, according to Johnson. Johnson explained that Virginia’s Games was started for kids to have summer games to come out and enjoy. From there, it switched over to Jamboree Days.
Jamboree Days originally started in Downtown Hartford with the Annual Car Show being added 12 years ago in the park. Eventually, as Jamboree Days grew larger, the entire event transitioned to the park, according to Johnson.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the Hartford community did not get to participate in Jamboree Days last year as previous years. Johnson explained last June, on the same weekend as what Jamboree Days would have bene held, they did a car parade instead. “We did a car parade and we actually had quite a few people come out. Then in September we did a one-day event, a car show, burnout and street dance. We didn’t do anything with venders or anything but just wanted everyone to come out and enjoy the day,” Johnson said. She continued, “So we are excited that we get to go back to somewhat of a normal event this year.”
Jamboree Days takes place June 17-20 and gets kicked off with the Beetles & Brews Drive-In -Volkswagen car show/live music/food truck at the Buffalo Ridge Brewing.
Owner Callie Tuschen explained this is their first year with this event. “It’s a fun idea that one of our partners has invited anyone that has a Volkswagen, bus, car, whatever, on Thursday. We decided to do this on Thursday as there is not a lot going on in the community yet on Thursday for Jamboree Days,” Tuschen said.
She explained there will be parking blocked off to their alley for the cars and Harry’s Yellow Submarine Food Truck will be there as well. While enjoying food and checking out cars, community members will also be able to enjoy the music by the 1270’s which is a 50’s and 60’s band. “The band is a golden oldies band and they are just a fun group. The first time we had them was the first time we actually had people out dancing,” Tuschen said. “We are hoping if the weather is nice, we can have them outside if it’s not too hot out.”
The food truck will be serving during the timeframe of 5-9 pm and the music will be playing from 6-9 pm. Tuschen said the street will be shut down around 4 pm so people can start to park their cars.
Tuschen said there is no official signup to bring your car so just show up! “This is just a fun idea to see a bunch of cool cars,” Tuschen concluded.
Throughout the weekend will be several events that family members can enjoy. Saturday will be the Jamboree Days Parade which takes place at 10:30 am which is being organized by The Hartford Women of Today (HWOT)
Committee member for HWOT Wendy Edwards explained anyone interested in participating in the parade can pre-register on line at www.hartfordjamboreedays.com and fill out the registration. You can also register the day of the parade at Hartford City Shop from 8:30-10 am.
Edwards explained the parade will kick off with the service people such as the police, fire trucks, emergency vehicles, mayor, etc. The band will also be at the beginning of the parade this year as they have another performance they need to attend. The Parade Grand Marshal will also be at the beginning of the parade which is Lois Kaiser. From there, Edwards explains the entries are put in order based on first come first serve.
HWOT has been helping with organizing the parade for approximately 20 years. “We are a community group, a service organization. It’s a city parade and we give back by helping out with the parade,” Edwards explained.
The theme of the parade this year is “Where Magic Gets Real.” Edwards explained they tried to think of why they give the parade a theme and wanted to do something fun with the event that was not related to COVID-19.
Edwards encourages anyone that wants to participate in the parade to register ahead of time instead of the day of the parade. “If they can get pre-registered ahead of time that’s better than the day of so that all they have to do is get their number and everything else is ready to go,” Edwards said. She also explained anyone looking to hand out candy, they are requesting you do not throw the candy from your vehicle but to walk the candy out to keep everyone safe.
There are a few other changes that have taken place to the Jamboree Days this year, according to Johnson. “The two big changes this year are the community worship that ends the Jamboree Days on Sunday and we are changing the Saturday night music,” Johnson said.
Johnson explained in years past the Jamboree Days would end with a tractor pull. However, the gentleman that put this one together passed away a few years ago and they don’t have the means to be able to continue this.
The worship that is being held this year is several worship groups coming together called Hartford/Humboldt Area Ministerial Association.
Saturday night will also be a change for the Jamboree Days, Johnson said. “In the past, we have done a street dance. This year, we are doing a concert in the park. We are trying to do more of a family-orientated night,” Johnson said. “We were looking at how we could change it up and still bring people in. So, bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the music.”
Coolers will not be allowed but there will be a beer garden for those 21 and older. The opening band is Camp Comfort with Judd Hoos being the main event.
The Hartford Jamboree Days Committee is made up of about 15 volunteers. “We are just a group of people that are passionate about helping our community and we accept volunteers any way that we can get them. So, if you want to volunteer the day of the event, you can without being a part of the committee,” Johnson explained. If you are looking to volunteer for an event or help assist the committee for Jamboree Days, visit their website or contact Johnson at 605-941-0809.
Johnson said they also have a website this year which Jamboree Days has not previously had which you can keep up to date on events or register for events ahead of time.
For more information on Jamboree Days or to register, you can visit their website page www.hartfordjamboreedays.com or visit their Facebook page Hartford Jamboree Days.