WAYNE – Wood County is celebrating the end of July this weekend with several festivities, among them the
third annual Wayne Firefighters’ Country Jamboree from 4 p.m. to midnight on Saturday.
Headlining the jamboree is Rodney "Hot Rod" Parker and Liberty Beach. Three other country
recording artists will also perform, Midland Rail, Annabelle Road and Justine Blazer.
The gates open at 3 p.m., with the first artist performing from 4 to 5:30 p.m., local favorite Midland
Rail.
From 6 to 7:30 p.m. will be Annabelle Road of Detroit. Information which the band sent to the
Sentinel-Tribune indicates it is family friendly and performs favorites from the newer country artists,
like Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts, as well as older favorites, such as Johnny
Cash. The young band also enjoys playing Southern rock, similar to Leonard Skynard and Journey.
National recording artist Justine Blazer, also from Detroit, returns for her second year at the jamboree,
performing from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
Concluding the event, from 10 p.m. to midnight, is Toledo favorite, Rodney Parker and Liberty Beach.
A number of activities will coincide with the music. A "Cornhole Classic" tournament begins at
4 p.m. with registration starting at 3 p.m. The cost is $25 per couple which includes entrance to the
jamboree.
According to event organizers, they are looking for this year’s "best dressed" team, and cash
prizes will be given for the top three winners of the tournament.
A cash raffle will be held with tickets on sale now. Three cash prizes will be given away throughout the
evening as well as 50/50s and raffles.
The beer tent will be open from 3 p.m. to midnight. A hog roast dinner is available for $6 a person and
includes one beverage ticket, starting at 5 p.m. Hot beef sandwiches will also be available.
The "Hoedown Hunnie Hut" will offer jamboree tee-shirts, hats, beads and more.
Advance tickets are $5 and are available from any member of the fire department. Gate admission the day
of the event is $10 per person.
This year’s jamboree is presented, in part, by B Hill’z Excavating. All funds benefit the Wayne Fire
Department and the anniversary memorial, which has been three years in the making. It has been paid for
primarily from the proceeds of the event and community donations. The memorial honors fallen
firefighters, service members and law enforcement service providers.
Phase one of the project has been completed, and jamboree guests are encouraged to visit the memorial.
Phase two will get funds from the upcoming jamboree. Three flagpoles, flags, a memorial plaque, stone,
landscaping and brick walkway are yet to be added to entirely complete the project.
Donations for the items are gladly accepted, and donors will be recognized at the jamboree. Donations for
the event will also receive advertising and special recognition.
For further information, contact Douglas Houtz at (419) 346-8279.