Fiddlin' Foresters Help Provide Tribute to Firefighters

Nashville , TN: The Fiddlin' Foresters were honored to be part of the welcome party banquet for the opening of the huge National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) 30th Annual Convention and Sports Show at the famous Opryland Hotel in Nashville. At the banquet over 3000 participants were treated to an inspirational evening of music and fun which included a tribute to wildland firefighters.

Deputy Chief Tom Thompson with NWTF CEO and evening MC Rob Keck pay tribute to wildland firefighters. They were accompanied by Forest Service firefighters from the Southern Region.

Deputy Chief Tom Thompson presented a check to NWTF, who is a long term partner with the Forest Service. He was joined by a dozen Forest Service firefighters from Region 8 as part of the tribute to the contribution they have made to conservation.

The program included performances by Nashville stars Aaron Tippin , Daryle Singletary, Tracy Byrd, comedian T. Bubba Bechtol and Rolling Stones keyboardist Chuck Leavell .

The Fiddlin' Foresters played a lively version of the old fiddle tune, "Ragtime Annie," a tribute to the 30 year recreation partnership, "Colorado Trail," www.coloradotrail.org and "Smokey the Bear" www.smokeybear.com with an appearance by Smokey accompanied by Kaye Shelton from the Cherokee National Forest.

Fiddlin Foresters perform "Cold Missouri Waters" on stage at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville

Their performance also included "Cold Missouri Waters," a tribute to all wildland firefighters. The Fiddlin' Foresters were hosted by Southern Regional Forester Bob Jacobs and coordinated by Dennis Daniels.

"The room was huge and the audience was great," said Lynn Young. "They really know how to put on a show in Music City." There were dozens of sound and lighting technicians, teleprompter operators, projectionists, live camera operators, stage managers and more.

"I was totally impressed with the national Wild Turkey Federation," said Jim Maxwell. They made us feel welcome and treated us great. They are one of the great partners of the Forest Service."

The National Wild Turkey Federation, is still flying high from its annual convention, where turkey fans celebrated 32 years of conservation. Record attendance - 40,208 people - helped the nonprofit group raise more money for the wild turkey than ever before.

The Fiddlin' Foresters also performed "Smokey the Bear" for over 1000 elementary school children that NWTF brought to the convention as part of their Jakes program. After the performance Jane Leche signed autographs for nearly an hour.

"It always amazes me how much impact Smokey has on kids," said Leche. "His message is still as important as ever." Smokey was provided by the Tennessee Division of Forestry.