16th Hillbilly Show to be held Saturday

The annual Hillbilly Comedy and Variety Show will include two themes—a patriotic theme, as well as celebrating the county's 150th anniversary with skits and acts on the past and the present.

As usual, the show will feature comedy and old-time music during its 16th consecutive year in Sparta. The event will begin at 7 p.m. in the Sparta School Auditorium.

However, new this year, a full meal will be served beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the hall outside the auditorium. Food, which will be available throughout the evening, will be vended by the Alleghany High School Cultural Club. The meal will include hot dogs or barbeque and trimmings, as well as homemade desserts and beverages.

As for the show, it will open with the presentation of the colors by the members of the Walter F. Osborne Marine Corps League Detachment.

Karlie Keepfer of Sparta, age 4, will also lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and then sing the National Anthem. Show Director Agnes Joines said that members of the Sparta Jubilee Red Hatters will provide each audience member with a souvenir as the show begins.

Joines noted this year's show will feature "The Tonight Show" with Wes Brinegar, with a special appearance by impersonators of Foster Brooks and two other "prestigious" individuals.

The evening show will also include a jitterbugging duet featuring Bobbie and Gary Parlier, performing with impersonators protraying the Andrews sisters of USO fame.

New acts making their debut this year include local residents impersonating such personalities as Alan Jackson, Marty Robbins, Ray Stevens and Lee Greenwood. A special performance by Meredith Walker also is planned.

Joines remarked, "We encourage everyone to come out for an evening of laughter and fun and good fellowship. We are pleased to be able to give away the sesquicentennial fiddle handmade by David Joines, (which features) a sesquicentennial logo engraved by Graycen Lucas." Joines said raffle tickets will be sold up through the drawing for a dollar each or six for $5. The fiddle will be awarded prior to the conclusion of the show, provided that the winner is present.

The cost of admission is $6 for adults, $2 for children ages 6 to 12, and free for those under age 6.

The monies raised during the event will go toward several causes, according to Joines, including scholarships to send children with special needs to 4-H camp, and toward the purchase of fuel and electricity for those in need. Other causes supported include the Solid Rock Food Closet. Donations also will be accepted in addition to the admission price.

Those interested in purchasing a DVD copy of the show are reminded to sign their name to the list and pay $20. For more information about the show, contact Joines at 372-4591.