Happy, Happy, Happy! Third Annual Happy Valley Jamboree Scheduled for Labor Day Weekend

HAPPY VALLEY, N.C. – The third annual Happy Valley Jamboree, a free heritage festival which celebrates local culture through music, camping, children’s activities, and homemade entertainment is being held Labor Day Weekend, Friday, Sept. 4 beginning at 7 p.m. It ends Sunday, Sept. 6 at 5 p.m. It is held at the Jones Family Farm on Highway 268 in Happy Valley, north of Lenoir.

A schedule and a menu are below under “Details.”

Kay Crouch of Lenoir, an organizer of the event, shared her insight on two of the performing groups to illustrate the range of opportunites attendees will have this year.

She shares, “The Pigeon River Messengers out of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina play an eclectic blend of traditional folk, bluegrass, and original music. Their musical journey began when Lori and Zach met, fell in love, and began writing their own songs and performing them with their friends. Their enchanting sound and haunting lyrics reflect their traditional roots while also giving new light to Appalachian music. Zach who is originally from Knoxville and later moved to Nashville, is heavily influenced by a wide range of musical genres. From the high lonesome sounds of Bill Monroe to the funky syncopated rythyms of James Brown, Zach’s musical style reflects a unique blend of old & new. Lori is a North Carolina singer/song writer who grew up listening to Appalachian ballads and attending bluegrass festivals with her musical family. A fourth generation ballad singer herself she embraces the old songs while always eager to share her own. Learning many of the old songs from her Late uncle Bobby Mcmillon. The Pigeon River Messengers are sure to evoke long forgotten memories, remind the listener of the magic in tall tales, and give thought to issues concerning Appalachia.”

It wouldn’t be the South or Appalachia if you didn’t have a Camp Town feel on Sunday. As Crouch points out, that’s covered. “For over a decade, William Ritter and Sarah Ogletree have been charming audiences with their banter, tight harmonies, and traditional songs and tunes. In the past few years you’ve probably seen William and Sarah working behind the scenes and also on stage at Happy Valley, but this year we wanted to feature them as a part of our Sunday lineup. You don’t want to miss these two!