GOT THE BLUES?—Linda Bedsaul (left) and Agnes Joines do a “Blues Brothers” routine during the annual Hillbilly Comedy and Variety Show held last Saturday night at the Sparta School Auditorium. About 600 people attended the fund-raiser for the Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission.

About 600 attend 15th annual Hillbilly Comedy Show

Attendance at the 15th annual Hillbilly Comedy and Variety Show held Oct. 18 was about the same when compared to last year's numbers, according to Organizer Agnes Joines with the Alleghany Planning Committee.

Of those in the audience, a portion were regulars at the Joines' Alleghany Jubilee, a business she co-owns with her husband, Ernest.

“This year, we had visitors from New Orleans, New Jersey and a number of people from counties throughout the state and from neighboring states of Georgia and South Carolina.”

Of the event's most requested acts theme, Joines reported, “Everyone said it was the best we've ever had. From the feedback I've received, there was no standout act that the crowd thought was 'the best,' everyone tells me that the show as a whole was great.”

Joines stated she would like to thank all of the individuals who played a part in this year's show, offering a special thanks to members of the Alleghany Planning Board, George Sheets and staff, Sparta Garden Center, Wes Brinegar and Bill and Sonia Joines. Sheets and staff were in charge of the PA system, while the local garden center provided flowers, Brinegar provided comedy throughout the show and the Joineses have served as the show's emcees for 14 of its 15 years.

The annual show serves as a fund-raiser for the planning committee. As of presstime Tuesday, Joines noted no estimates of the funds raised during the night were available.

The monies given to the committee are, in turn, donated to other worthwhile causes including the Solid Rock Food Closet, scholarships for high school students and funds to sponsor Alleghany students to attend 4-H camp. As the seasons change, some of the funds will go toward the purchase of heating fuel for those who may need it but cannot otherwise afford it.