Pelham Country Jamboree celebrating 17th anniversary

PELHAM — Near the old train depot in downtown Pelham, a group of roughly 10 people put on a show once a week that has yet to miss a Saturday.

The Pelham Country Jamboree is celebrating its 17th year this month.

The group first started playing in the train depot, but bought a building across the street in 1999. After purchasing that building, the jamboree refurbished it — and continues to use it to this day.

A.J. Thomas, president of the jamboree, said the group has members from Albany, Cordele, Leesburg, Sylvester as well as the Tallahassee, Fla., and Pensacola, Fla., areas, that play every Saturday.

“They are just about from all of the surrounding area,” he said.

The weekly performances — which come with what Thomas described as a fairly large dance floor — were primarily attended by senior citizens to start with, but has since attracted a more diverse audience that includes all ages.

“We have kids and people up to age 90 that come,” Thomas said.

There are refreshments provided. Everything is free of charge, but donations are typically requested for the snacks. The weekly event starts at 5 p.m., and ends when the crowd leaves — which is typically before 11 p.m.

“We run strictly on donations,” Thomas said. “Everyone has a wonderful time, and we normally have a good crowd.

“It’s a lot of fun, and people really enjoy it.”

The building at 153 W. Railroad St. that houses the jamboree accommodates 175 people and it is typically 75 percent full, Thomas said.

The group is governed by an 11-member board. Two of those members are Sandy Page and Gary Page, who have been connected to the jamboree for five years.

“I enjoy the crowd, and I know all the people there,” Sandy Page said of what she likes about the group. “We get people attached to it.

“It doesn’t matter how tired you are, people enjoy it — and it’s worth it.”

There is an open stage beginning at 9 p.m. for anyone who wants to play or sing, but those who play at the performances are not paid. No smoking or alcohol is allowed.

There are two featured groups a week. The event generally starts with 30 minutes of gospel, followed by the featured group performances for roughly an hour with the rest of the evening including country music from the 1960s through the 1980s.

There are also bluegrass groups that come in from Tallahassee and Live Oak, Fla. The programs generally close with “Amazing Grace.”

To commemorate the anniversary, there will be a dinner — including a cake — at the March 31 gathering. There will be music and finger food there, Thomas said.

“It feels so good to last 17 years,” Thomas said. “We hope it goes on for 17 more. It’s a real good feeling to have it for 17 years.”

The group also hosts line dancing lessons from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Page said.

Those that want more information about the jamboree, or are interested in playing, can call Thomas at (229) 377-8952.