Eleven hours of music and fun

When the gates open on the Port George Country Jamboree July 30 at 7 a.m., one thing is guaranteed: a good time.

In its 34th year, the jamboree has become a summertime tradition that draws people from across the Valley and around Nova Scotia for a day of country music, lots of food, a giant all-day flea market with over 200 tables booked, plus lots to keep the kids happy, including face painting, train rides, a sucker pull and a chip hop.

This year’s entertainment features a variety of styles with 11 hours of music scheduled from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Things kick off a little earlier, with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. at the community hall right beside the jamboree grounds.

Port George Country Jamboree is presented by the Lions clubs of Middleton, Kingston, and Lawrencetown, plus the Community of Port George. The seaside venue boasts a spectacular view of the Bay of Fundy – and when it’s too hot to do anything on the Valley floor, by-the-bay temperatures are just right.

Concession stands will be serving up lobster rolls, fish and chips, hamburgers, hotdogs, and the ever-popular strawberry shortcake. if you want a sit-down meal, there’s a ham, bean, and potato scallop supper from 4-6 p.m. also at the community hall.

The music

Kingston Lion Bob Lyle is excited about the lineup. He’ll be on the stage introducing the acts and making all the announcements.

“They all do a great job,” he said of the groups and individuals who take to the stage. “It should be a good line up and we’re looking for good weather too.”

Lyle can’t wait to hear the opening and closing act, Angus Brown Junior, a newcomer to the jamboree who comes highly recom- mended. Brown kicks things off at 9 a.m. and is followed by Blain Henshaw and long-time jamboree favourite Rick Snider and Stagecoach. Expect some great tunes from Best of Intentions, Allan Butler, Connie Stokes Cye and the Guys, Kailey Shearer, Theresa Lynn Porter and Friends, Dave Burbine and Traditional Country and Straight Up.

“I think it’s going to be a good time,” said Lyle.

Lyle said they’ve been getting a lot of phone calls and inquiries from people as far away as Halifax looking at making the Port George Country Jamboree part of their summertime fun.

Lyle predicts if the weather cooperates, it could draw as many as 3,000 people.

“We love doing it,” Lyle said. “It’s been such a great event. And it’s such a great event for the volunteers and their anticipation of funding going back to community.”