It’s hard to believe that the Springtime Jamboree has managed to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars and poured it right back into the community. It’s also hard to believe that the jamboree has been bringing a smile to the faces of thousands for a quarter-century.
Coastal Point • RYAN SAXTON:
The Jamboree Boys, consisting of Rep. Gerald Hocker and a mixture of his family and friends, practice for the Jamboree in Hocker’s basement.
But this weekend, the Springtime Jamboree, a Hocker family tradition since 1982, will be held at the new Indian River High School for the first time, in a three-day event that promises to be the largest, most entertaining one yet.
“I made the comment 25 years ago,” said state Rep. and Springtime Jamboree host Gerald Hocker, “that if the public supported it, I would keep doing it as long as I was able. And 25 years later, I’m still able.”
He added that it’s one of the only times of the year that he picks up his bass, an instrument he first tried in junior high school.
The Jamboree Boys, a band that originated the first year of the jamboree — with Gerald Hocker, his father Wilbert and his brother Wade — has seen members come and go as the years have progressed. This year — in addition to returning members Andy Timmons, Kenneth Evans, Reggie Helms and Hocker’s sons, Gerry and Greg — Jimmy Holson, who had played solo at past jamborees, will harmonize in a seven-piece band designed to liven up the crowd.
“I have no new performers this year,” said Hocker. “We’re bringing back some of the best ones that we’ve had over the years.”
Returning names — such as Donald Murray, Mike Evans, Linda Magarelli — plus many, many more will be gracing the stage this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, to present their talent in country, Western and gospel music. Miss Delaware 2006, Jamie Ginn, will also be performing several dance numbers.
Hocker’s daughter, Beth Ann (Hocker) Cahall, will be taking a break from her busy music career in Nashville to sing at the Jamboree once again. Cahall, who performs under the name Beth Ann Cayhall, will be releasing her second album this weekend, as well.
When the first Jamboree was held, it was Hocker’s ambition to give back to the community that has given his friends, family and neighbors so much over the years, and that is exactly what he has done.
Each year, all the money raised by the event is returned to a nonprofit organization, in munificence that started with the Lower Sussex Little League. Last year, Hocker’s event increased the accumulated total raised for charity and the community to $300,000 since the jamboree’s debut.
Other programs that have benefited from the jamboree include Lord Baltimore Elementary School, Delaware Hospice, River Soccer Club, Pop Warner Football, and the Lion Clubs of Lord Baltimore, Fenwick Island and Selbyville. This year, the jamboree will benefit the Millville Volunteer Fire Company.
Coastal Point • RYAN SAXTON
“We are really glad to be the recipient of Hocker’s efforts in the community,” said Bob Powell, public information officer at the Millville Volunteer Fire Company.
This is the third year the Jamboree has supported the Millville Fire Company, though it has been nearly 18 years since the last time.
“We want to thank Gerald and his wife for all of their support. With this being the 25th Jamboree and having a third day added on, that’s just going to help us out even more, financially,” Powell said.
He noted that the money raised will contribute towards the company’s capital building fund. “It’s great what he’s done for us,” Powell added, “and we hope this year’s event will really be something special.”
Hocker added that he’s very appreciative of the support from all of the local schools, as well. “The [education department] really goes out of their way to help make the jamboree the best it can be,” he said.
With tickets for Saturday nearly selling out almost a week before the event, Hocker said he anticipates a crowd this year like never before.
“Last year we had to set up chairs on the stage,” he said. “I think people will really support it this year, being the 25th annual. People have really worked at it in the past, and they are tickled when they realize that it’s for the community and it benefits everyone.”
One eager customer alone purchased 74 tickets for this weekend’s show. “He’d never been to the jamboree before,” said Hocker, “but he always hears about it. So, he decided to buy tickets for all of his employees. He asked if there will be enough seats for 74 people. I told him, ‘If you buy tickets for 74 people, you’ll have a seat for each of them there.’”
Tickets cost $12 — while they last — and the shows will be held Friday, April 27, at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 28, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 29, at 2 p.m., at the new Indian River High School on Armory Road in Dagsboro.
Pre-show entertainment featuring Ron Howard on the piano will begin on Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. “We added the third show this year,” said Hocker. “It’s the first time we’ve tried this on a Sunday afternoon, and a lot of people seem to like the idea.”
Those interested in attending can purchase tickets at Hockers Super Center — (302) 537-1877, G & E Inc. — (302) 539-9662, and Hockers Grocery and Deli — (302) 539-0505.