"The Hee Haw Band" — usually known as the Rise 'n' Shine Band, a favorite at the Alleghany Jubilee — performs "Man of Constant Sorrow," a crowd-pleaser during last Saturday's Hillbilly Comedy and Variety Show at the Sparta School auditorium.

Hillbilly show raises over $4,000

Whether measured in attendance, audience enjoyment or money raised, the 10th annual Hillbilly Comedy and Variety Show last Saturday was a big success.

"I think it was the best one ever," said Agnes Joines, who directed the show. "We were so pleased with it."

Joines is also chairman of the Alleghany Planning Committee, which coordinates the event as a fundraiser each year. The committee is part of Blue Ridge Opportunities Commission.

The Sparta Elementary School auditorium was packed for the show. The stage was often thronged as well, as a total of about 100 entertainers took part. One act, JAM (Junior Appalachian Musicians), had 25 participants. Last year's show netted about $3,000. This year's tally is incomplete, but Joines said it should easily exceed that. "I think we're going to go over $4,000 when we get it all in." Donations were still coming in, she said Monday, and it might be a couple of weeks before the exact total is determined.

The money goes to help needy families in Alleghany County and to provide college scholarships for two students from Alleghany High School.

"This $5 you donated (the ticket price), this helps people that need help in little Alleghany County," Joines told the audience at the end of the show Saturday night. "Alleghany County always comes together."

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