Our area is on the map for one of its most positive annual events this weekend as the annual Jamboree in the Hills country music festival takes the stage on Thursday.
The campers began arriving early this week and people staked out their seating positions for the weekend. All that's left to do is enjoy a weekend of big-name entertainment, beat the heat and have fun.
This year's lineup includes the traditional big stars of country music, including Loretta Lynn, crowd favorite Neal McCoy, Reba McEntire, Brooks & Dunn, Rodney Atkins and Donald Trump's pal from "The Apprentice" doing what he does best, Trace Adkins.
Local product Brad Paisley also makes a big Ohio Valley appearance, among the many acts who will perform through Sunday. Local product Joe Zelek also is scheduled to perform.
The festival, which kind of recaptures a bit of the spirit of the Woodstock rock festival of 1969 with a country flair, has documented the changes in country music during the past three decades, featuring acts that have included everyone from Johnny Cash to today's stars, as well as pop and rock stars from the Beach Boys to Grand Funk Railroad.
High gasoline prices may have some people fretting over their vacations, but Jamboree fans know it's not far to Morristown, no matter where their journey begins.
So long as it's July, it's hot and there's country music in the air, a big field outside Morristown will be filled with fans.
