Food, Fundraising & Fiddling: Jamboree Supports Local Youth Groups
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!
County Fair Mini Corn Dog Muffins
Ingredients
• 1 pkg (8.5 oz) JIFFY Corn Muffin Mix
• 1 Egg, slightly beaten
• 2 Tbsp Melted Butter
• 1/3 cup Milk
• 4 Hot Dogs, each cut into 6 pieces bun length works best
Instructions
1 In a bowl, combine the corn muffin mix, egg, melted butter, and milk. Mix just until it comes together. (If you mix too much, the corn muffins will start to fall apart around the hot dogs when cooked.)
2 Once mixed together, pour into two greased 12 mini muffin tins (this recipe makes 24 mini muffins).
3 Place each hot dog piece into the center of the corn muffin mixture and press down slightly.
4 Bake at 400°F for 8-12 minutes or until golden brown.
5 Serve hot with ketchup and mustard.
Jamboree Lemonade Shake-Ups
INGREDIENTS
• 1 quart water
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar or Sugar substitutes- Monk-fruit or Stevia
• 2 large lemons (halved)
• Ice
INSTRUCTIONS
• Bring the water to a boil, then remove from heat. Stir in sugar until dissolved. Allow to cool to room temperature. This mixture can be stored in the fridge for a week or until ready to use.
• Gather four 8-12 ounce glasses or jars with lids. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into each one then place the halves in each glass. Top with ice. Pour the sugar water over each one, to the top of the glass. Cover and then shake until thoroughly combined. Enjoy!
Notes: Shaking is key! This is what will take you back to that special place.