Classic Country show ends early

Fort Scott, Kan. -- Halfway through its their six-month contract, the Classic County Show has come to an end.

Citing financial struggles and a lack of attendance, show organizers Bill and Brenda Harris have decided to shut down the show.

"We want to thank the city of Fort Scott, chamber, tourism people and those loyal people who came to our show," the Harrises stated in an email. "Our dream was not fulfilled of establishing a quality Country Show for Fort Scott, but we met some great people while enjoying your lovely town. Financially we were not able to continue. Our very best wishes to the community of Fort Scott."

Fort Scott City Manager Dave Martin said during the June 7 Fort Scott City Commission meeting that the show had been averaging about 80 audience members, which was well below the number needed to sustain the show.

The Classic Country Show is the second country variety show to fold after the Fort Scott Jubilee called it quits in November 2008 after 14 years as a result of financial difficulties. The first show, Fort Scott Jamboree had one decent summer then lost attendance numbers in the winter. The band quit the show, which led to its cancellation.

In anticipation of the Classic Country Show being successful, the city revamped the sound system in Memorial Hall with roughly $15,000 worth of equipment in March.

With Memorial Hall now sitting vacant once again, Martin said the city is looking into giving a number of different shows a chance to give one performance for the public during the process of finding a new show. No time frame was discussed.

As a side note, the Fort Scott Country Show, organized by Steve and Nancy Cliffman, is coming up at 2 p.m. June 26, at Memorial Hall. Admission is $10 and audience members 15 and under get in free.

A longtime fan of the music and people at the Fort Scott Jubilee, Steve Cliffman and his wife, Nancy, plan to bring back several of its performers at a special concert June 26. Featured will be performers from the Fort Scott Jamboree and Jubilee such as Dewayne Bowman, Ginelle Esry, Scotty Henderson, Ernie Reed, Ronnie Bleaker and Dave Owens.