This year’s Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree is not only a celebration of music and tradition, but a powerful opportunity for our community to come together and support local youth. Throughout the three-day festival, five youth groups will be raising funds through concession stands, giving visitors a chance to enjoy great food while making a difference in the lives of young people.

DeKalb County 4-H Returns

A fixture since the Jamboree’s inception, DeKalb County 4-H will be back with their big green tent, where members and parent volunteers serve up barbecue sandwiches, hot dogs, nachos, and beverages. Every purchase helps provide scholarships for more than 75 kids to attend summer camp each year.

“We’re proud to support our youth and see them grow through these experiences,” said Jack Barton, Jamboree volunteer coordinator and former president.

First Baptist Church Youth Group Serves Up Teamwork

The First Baptist Church Youth Group, now 80 members strong, will run Jude’s Traveling Food Truck, owned by Youth Pastor Jordan Atnip and named after his son. The menu includes pulled pork, beef brisket sandwiches, loaded fries, and tacos—with the brisket taco as their top seller.

“This event is more than just fundraising—it’s about building teamwork and lifelong relationships,” said Pastor Atnip, who is a familiar face in local schools, often sharing lunch with students.

Tennis Teams Take on Lemonade Stand

For the first time, DeKalb County Schools’ tennis teams and boosters will manage beverage concessions for Reuben’s food truck. Players and their families will serve lemonade, sodas, iced tea, and water. Coach Brian Cadle notes that profits will help fund facilities, equipment, and tournament fees for the spring season.

New Life United Pentecostal Church Partners with Dos Maria’s

New Life United Pentecostal Church joins forces with Dos Maria’s food truck to offer street tacos, tamales, roast beef quesabirrias, and Mexican street corn. “We’re thrilled to give back to our community and support our youth,” said owner Ayde Ray.  According to Pastor Dwayne of NLUPC the profits will provide youth opportunities throughout the year in both their school and daycare.

Soccer Club Keeps It Cool

The DeKalb Soccer Club will partner with the Kona Ice truck, offering a variety of fruity shaved ice flavors—a perfect way to cool off and support local youth during the Fourth of July weekend.

Supporting Our Youth, Strengthening Our Community

Every purchase at the Jamboree is more than a meal or a drink—it’s an investment in the future of our youth and the strength of our community. By supporting these groups, you help provide opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and lead.

Can’t Attend? Here’s How to Help

If you can’t make it to the Jamboree, consider supporting these groups in other ways:

·         DeKalb County 4-H Clubs: Donate in person at the County Extension, 722 S. Congress St., or online at tn4hfoundation.org.

·         DCHS Tennis Team: Businesses can purchase a banner for the city tennis courts contact Tonya Hale at (931) 409-3758

Individuals can donate to the DCHS Tennis Booster Club.

·         First Baptist Church: Donate to the youth group online at smithvillefbc.org

·         New Life United Pentecostal Church. Online- newlifesmithville.com

Let’s come together at this year’s Jamboree to celebrate our community, enjoy great food and music, and—most importantly—show our support for the next generation. Your participation makes all the difference!

About the Author

Mark MyGrant is a retired educator turned food writer and blogger.   To read more view Mark’s blog at Whatscookingsmithville.com