Country for a day
Lions Clubs come together to host 36th annual Port George Country Jamboree
For the past 23 years, Dave Diggins has faithfully shown up at the Port George Country Jamboree, ready to work and listen to the music that fills the air for the full-day event.
He arrived early July 28, and so did people from across Nova Scotia. The gates opened at 7 a.m., and people were ready to pour in and snag a good spot in front of the stage as they prepared for 11 hours of live country music. In recent years, the annual event has seen up to 4,000 people in attendance, and this year was no exception.
Diggins, who is the chairman of this year’s Port George Country Jamboree, was stationed at the entrance, giving out programs and tickets to those looking to take part and have a good time. Diggins says he enjoys doing everything he can to contribute.
“I’m a doer,” said Diggins. “I like to do as much as I can and help to get others to volunteer to do what they can too.”
Diggins added that planning for the annual event, which celebrated its 36th anniversary this year, began in March. His favourite part of being involved is getting to work with his fellow Lions and give back to the community.
The annual event, he says, is made possible through collaboration between the Kingston, Middleton, and Lawrencetown Lions Clubs, the community of Port George and hundreds of hard-working volunteers. The Parsons family is a big help, allowing the use of their land to hold the festival, he adds.
“I like the camaraderie with the other people that are in our club,” said Diggins. “All of us working together, the Lions family working together, giving back; I just enjoy doing it.”
Proceeds raised from the jamboree go back into the respective communities for charitable works.
Kingston Lion Bob Lyle donned his classic cowboy hat back again as this year’s master of ceremonies. In his 25th year involved with the event, Lyle said he feels like the jamboree is part of his life and plans to keep it that way for as long as he can.
“The reason that I am a part of it and like to be a part of it is because it’s part of my life, my wife and I volunteer, and we have so much fun together,” said Lyle. “As long as my health stays good and Barb and I have the energy level and are able to come out, we’ll continue to do it.”
Lyle also books all the entertainment and does all the advertising – and he also preformed this year as well.
While music plays a huge part in this annual event, there’s a lot more going on, including a 200table flea market, a 50/50 draw and a lot of amazing food to enjoy.