Fellsmere enthusiastic about Family Jamboree's return
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2011/jul/21/family-jamboree-returning-to-fairgrounds-in/?cid=Facebook
By Steven Smith
Posted July 21, 2011 at 10:59 p.m.
FELLSMERE — Indian River County has a new annual event thanks to overwhelming support for last year's Family Jamboree at the Indian River County Fairgrounds, a free event that attracted a big crowd.
CrossLife Counseling, a Christian nonprofit organization headquartered in Vero Beach since 1993, started the event last year, emphasizing "wholesome" music and entertainment. CrossLife was encouraged to hold it yearly, and this year's Family Jamboree will be Saturday, Oct. 8 at the fairgrounds.
Event coordinator Linda Carlson spoke to Fellsmere City Council on Thursday, asking members to pass the word. "We know there are people in Fellsmere who, if they knew about it, would participate," she said. The Indian River County Sheriff's Office estimated attendance at last year's event was 10,000. "It was just so neat," Carlson said. "Just saying that number still gives me goose bumps."
"I wasn't even aware of it until now," Councilman Joel Tyson said. Tyson, Mayor Susan Adams and other council members expressed support for the event.
Carlson said the daylong event will again be free. "We did not charge parking fees (or) entry fees," she said. "Most everything at the event was free, or for a small donation, and the food vendors tried to give us family-friendly prices." The jamboree also includes arts and crafts, music and many children's activities.
Sheriff Deryl Loar was among those so impressed by the Family Jamboree that he encouraged the organization to make it an annual event. A number of new corporate sponsors, exhibitors and entertainers have signed on and the organizers believe the event may grow to fill the entire fairgrounds.
CrossLife, which is completely funded by contributions from individuals, organizations, businesses and local churches, accepts and encourages donations, including donations from vendors. Last year, the organizers realized not all of the vendors were local, but that will change.
"These families that we're helping or trying to help are struggling, so we decided we will accept vendors only from Indian River County," Carlson said. "That's a way we can help them. The whole purpose is to showcase the folks in the community."
Family Jamboree is looking for more musicians, child performers and local arts and crafts, and is encouraging more older people to attend.
For information about Family Jamboree, Oct. 8 at the Indian River County Fairgrounds, visit: www.familyjamboreeirc.com or call 772-563-0430
© 2011 TCPalm. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
