The Rise and Shine Band plays during the Hillbilly Show last Saturday night. Shown are (from left) Ernes Joinest, Billy Dancy, Wade Petty, Charlie Kinzer and Charlie Edwards. Not pictured is bass player Gary Joines. Photos by Drew Stewart

Variety show dishes up hillbilly fun

Attendance at the 16th annual Hillbilly Comedy and Variety Show held Oct. 17 was significantly higher when compared to last year's numbers, according to Organizer Agnes Joines with the Alleghany Planning Committee.

When asked about how many people were new to the annual event, Joines noted that about a third of the 800 raised their hands.

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

Of the patriotic theme, Joines reported, "The regulars told me that we had outdone ourselves again this year, stating this was the best ever."

She later added, "We got a really good response about Karlie Keepfer, the youngster who did the pledge of allegiance and sang the National Anthem. She did an amazing job."

Joines stated she would like to thank all of the individuals who played a part in this year's show.

At Left: Gary and Bobbie Parlier jitterbug during the Hillbilly Show as the "USO Band" and service members set the stage in the background.