Flinton_jamboree_08-31

Jeff Green | Aug 07, 2008

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Performers Larry Birney, Albert St. Pierrre and Jack Biernacki

The Flinton Country Bluegrass Jamboree has developed a loyal following over its 4-year history and has become a favourite destination for music lovers from miles around.

On Saturday the property surrounding the township recreation centre in Flinton was full to capacity with 250 trailers, and the ball field was lined with what was estimated to be an audience of 1200, all enjoying the music.

The jamboree is put on by the Flinton Recreation Club, who in August 2007 were thrilled to receive a $25,000 trillium grant. The grant was divided up for 2007and 2008.

The festival lineup was impressive and included headliners Virginia Run from Virginia, U.S.A., the well-known and loved Randy Family from Quebec, and various local groups including White Pine.

At the stage, local musicians gathered on the steps informing the dandily dressed MC, Harold Bonner of Kingston, of their names and the songs they would be performing. Local performer, Jamie Whitelock of Flinton was joined on stage by Courtney King from Camden East and performed a heart-felt version of Tim McGraw’s “If You’re Reading This.”

Larry Bronson of Madoc got the crowd going with his rocking version of the Johnny Cash classic “Folsom Prison Blues”.

There was also a competition on Saturday, the Loyalist Singing Competition, run by Dennis Witty.

Duane Thibault, president of the Flinton Rec Club, and his brother, both music lovers, came up with idea for the music festival four years ago.

Duane’s wife Donna is one of 12 directors of the jamboree and was thrilled with the turnout this year. “The festival has gotten progressively bigger every year which is just great”. She was happy to add that this year Murry Northey of Murry’s Music had donated a fiddle for a draw to raise money for the Kaladar/Barrie Fire Department, and on Sunday Duane was able to present Fire Chief Casey Cuddy with a cheque for about $400. The fiddle was won by Cam Arsenault of Northbrook.

One minute of silence was also observed at the jamboree, in memory of firefighter Bill Salmond, who died in an accident last year, while he was on standby for the jamboree.

The funds raised from the jamboree will go directly to the Flinton Rec Club, to be spent on the various programs that the club offers in the community.

Ossie and Faye Moulton from Middleville are first-time visitors to the Flinton Jamboree and heard of it on a radio station in Renfrew. Blue grass lovers through and through, they came especially to see one of their favourites, the Randy Family of Quebec.

Due to the quality line up of talent, the friendliness of the crowds, the intimacy of the venue, and the many services that are offered by the volunteers, it is no wonder that the Flinton Jamboree is well on its way to establishing itself as one of the favourite Bluegrass/country festivals in the area.

Festival organizers would like to especially thank all the volunteers who worked so hard. Without them the event would never take place.