1890 Days Jamboree returns for its 45th year

RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF) – In North Georgia, Ringgold has hosted the 1890 Days Jamboree for the past 45 years. The event brings in over 20,000 people.

One might see that as amazing considering Ringgold has a population of just under 4,000.

“Well, this weekend, we got entertainment on three stages. Friday night is gospel night. Saturday, there’s a number of country and bluegrass bands. There is the car show; there’s a parade; free children’s entertainment. There’s an area with inflatables and a lot of food,” said event coordinator, Ronald Graham.

The 1890 Days festival has become one of the most popular events for Ringgold since it started 45 years ago. As years have gone on, the festival has grown by each block as it has more and more vendors.

“When I first worked with it, everything was on the courthouse yard and as you can see its expanded to three city blocks, a couple of other streets, three stages, and a whole lot bigger,” said Graham.

Graham has been coordinating the 1890 Days event for 35 years. He has never been satisfied with keeping the event the same each year as he looks to improve it in any way possible for the next year.

“Every year, we keep getting a little bigger and better. And our goal is not to make it bigger, but it is to improve it and keep making it better, while also making it better for the upcoming year,” said Graham.

With 20,000 people attending the event in a town that has just under 4,000. Graham hopes that he continues to see the 1890 Days festival stretch even further in Downtown Ringgold on Robin Road.