For 15 years, Rockburn resident Diane Carson has hosted Carson’s Crestwood Country Music Jamboree—a music fest of sorts done the old-fashioned way.
The event, which also serves as a potluck, attracts musicians from Vermont, New York and Ontario, not to mention the bounty of local talent from the Chateauguay Valley. On July 2nd, the sound of fiddles could be heard from as far as the Rockburn Side Road as the jamboree got underway at Carson’s home on Route 202.
Carson, who works for Canada Post, held the first event simply to host a celebration of music. “We held the first one to include friends and musicians who play country music, and to share supper,” says Carson. Every year, a tent is hitched to the side of her two-car garage for musicians to play under. Carson wanted to share her passion for country music while giving others a chance to get up and play. She believes that it’s important to keep country music alive in the Valley—a sentiment that is shared by many. All donations collected are used to pay for the cost of the tent and a professional sound specialist.
“I have had a lot of enjoyment over the past 15 years, even though it is several weeks of work and preparation. It all comes together and new friends are made. It is a place to meet and share the passion for classic country music. I hope I can fill the dreams of country music lovers with another one next year,” said Carson about the event.
