Laughter, music, and mission: Hee Haw Jamboree lights up Hope First Assembly

(Photo from last year’s show. Hope First Assembly of God photo)

HOPE — The spirit of community and country comedy was alive and well Friday evening as Hope First Assembly of God hosted its annual Hee Haw Dinner & Show, drawing a packed house to 322 N. Main Street for a night of laughter, music, and heartfelt fellowship.

The event, which kicked off at 6:00 pm, is a local rendition of the classic television variety show Hee Haw, complete with skits, musical performances, and down-home humor. Guests were treated to a hearty dinner followed by a lively stage show featuring church members and “special guests” who brought their best country charm to the spotlight.

The meal was a highlight in itself—soup beans, golden cornbread, crispy fried potatoes, and for dessert, apple pie and cobbler that tasted like they came straight from Grandma’s kitchen. One couldn’t help but imagine Grandpa Jones himself announcing “what’s for supper” as the aroma filled the fellowship hall. The church’s volunteers served with grace and warmth, showcasing southern hospitality at its finest.

This year’s show featured lively karaoke-style performances that added a playful twist to the evening. Church members lip-synched to classic hits, including Jim Stafford’s “Mississippi Squirrel Revival,” which had the crowd in stitches, and Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” performed in costume by Tammy Manning, the pastor’s wife, whose spirited portrayal brought the house down.

The buzz around town was palpable, and the sanctuary-turned-stage was filled with laughter and applause as performers donned overalls, straw hats, and southern drawls to deliver their comedic routines.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit the church’s ongoing mission efforts, reinforcing the event’s purpose beyond entertainment. “We’re thrilled with the turnout and the joy this event brings to our church and community,” said one of the organizers. “It’s a wonderful way to celebrate our faith, our heritage, and our love for one another.”

As the final curtain fell and the last laugh echoed through the sanctuary, the evening took a reflective turn. A member of Hope First Assembly shared his testimony with those gathered: Because he wanted to honor his grandmother’s invitation, he came to see Hee Haw, and he found hope. He said, “My life and my marriage were a wreck, I was living in sin, and events like this remind me that joy and salvation go hand in hand. God uses laughter to open hearts.”

Pastor Jimmy (Jimbo) Manning closed the night with a heartfelt appeal: “If you’ve laughed tonight, we thank God for that. But if you’ve never known the joy of salvation through Jesus Christ, we invite you to come back—not just for a show, but for a relationship with the Savior. He’s waiting with open arms.”

The Hee Haw Jamboree was just one of several events lighting up Hope and the surrounding area this weekend, including the Barktober Fest at The HUB and the Harvest Hootenanny at Historic Washington State Park. But for many, the laughter, testimony, and invitation to faith at Hope First Assembly made Friday night one to remember.