After two summers without the Shawville Lions Country Jamboree bringing hundreds of music fans to town, the organizers of the annual festival are planning for a big return in 2022, from Thursday July 14 to Sunday July 17.

Clarendon Mayor and organizer Ed Walsh explained that when the provincial government started announcing that public health restrictions would be easing, they started planning their return.

He said that the Jamboree, which typically attracts more than 1,000 people to the Armstrong Farm just outside town, is one of the biggest fundraisers in the calendar for the Lions. They managed to get by throughout the pandemic with the help of two successful online auctions around Christmas.

Walsh said that they are currently finalizing their lineup, but typically have around 20 entertainers, some local, several from the Ottawa Valley and others from even further afield. Walsh added that the Thursday night is traditionally an open-mic night, which allows up-and-coming local musicians to get some stage time.

Walsh said that they planned to have the information on their website updated shortly so that attendees can start ordering tickets and reserving spots for their RVs or trailers.

The full interview with Walsh is available below.