October 29, 2023
By: Dwayne Page
The Smithville Fiddler’s Jamboree & Crafts Festival is getting a new cover (canopy/awning) for its stage thanks to a $75,000 Tourism Enhancement Grant from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
The Jamboree has been without one since 2019 when a summer storm just days before the annual festival blew down and damaged the canopy and support beams.
A total of 29 communities across the state were awarded a share of $2.22 million in Tourism Enhance Grants.
The City of Smithville applied for the grant on behalf of the Smithville Fiddlers Jamboree & Crafts Festival Board of Directors. The $7,500 local matching portion of the grant will be funded by the Jamboree Board. There will be no cost to the city.
“We are so excited to finally get the cover back for the Jamboree stage to shade the singers, musicians, and dancers during their competitions,” said Kim Driver Luton, Jamboree Board President. “We also want to thank the Smithville Mayor and Aldermen for their support in helping the Jamboree Board secure this grant funding,” she added.
“The Fiddlers Jamboree and Crafts Festival is Smithville’s largest summer tourist attraction and the Aldermen and I are happy that we could show our support for it in this manner. I know the stage cover will be a great asset to the Jamboree for years to come,” said Mayor Josh Miller.
Tennessee’s Tourism Enhancement Grants support cities and counties seeking to invest in their local tourism assets, lift visitation and increase economic impact. Eligible projects include stages, signage, historic preservation, ADA compliancy and other improvements to local attractions and venues.
“Tourism is vital for the growth and sustainability of communities throughout Tennessee, especially in our rural communities,” said Melanie Beauchamp, Assistant Commissioner of Rural Tourism and Outreach, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “These projects create opportunities for visitors, enhance the quality of life for residents and ultimately, bring more funds back into the communities.”
“We’ve seen first-hand how tourism can transform communities,” added Commissioner Mark Ezell, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. “Tourism development is economic development, and these investments are essential to Governor Lee’s mission to expand opportunity for rural Tennesseans.”
ABOUT TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is dedicated to driving economic growth and tourism in all 95 counties. TDTD’s global marketing efforts increase visitation to Tennessee, which boosts tax revenue, creates jobs and attracts new investment across the state. Tennessee is a global destination of choice offering visitors world-class music, live entertainment, family-friendly experiences, charming communities, innovative and classic culinary creations, renowned scenic beauty and outdoor adventure—all centered at the crossroads of rich history and unrivaled hospitality.