The 14th annual BearPaw Jamboree brought live music, camping, friendship and fundraising together in Alderville over the weekend.
Hosted by Jimbob and Jane Marsden at their property on Roseneath Landing Road, the annual gathering attracted upwards of 70 campers for a weekend filled with country and bluegrass music and plenty of time to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.
But while the weekend is about having a good time, the BearPaw Jamboree has always had another important purpose — helping people and organizations in need.
Jimbob Marsden said fundraising has been part of the jamboree since the beginning.
Last year, money was raised for Ed’s House and SickKids Hospital. This year, the group raised $4,000 to help evacuees from wildfires affecting Northern First Nations communities.
“The way our jamboree is set out everyone pretty well knows everyone — or if they don’t they’ll make friends quick,” Marsden said.
The weekend kicked off Saturday with an open mic, giving musicians and performers an opportunity to take the stage throughout the afternoon.
As the day progressed, the open mic gave way to the main entertainment, with country and bluegrass musicians keeping the crowd entertained into the evening.
Marsden said the performers have also embraced the charitable side of the event.
“Even the entertainers, they’re awesome. They know it’s a fundraiser, so they give you a break on their fees,” he said.
That support, combined with donations from campers and attendees, has helped make the BearPaw Jamboree an annual fundraiser as much as it is a weekend gathering.
For those attending, however, the appeal goes beyond the music and the camping.
It is a chance to spend a weekend surrounded by friends, neighbours and fellow music lovers — all while knowing their participation is helping others.
After 14 years, the BearPaw Jamboree continues to prove that a good weekend of music, friendship and camping can also make a difference in the community.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
