By Sharon Turano
Sally Marsh would like to invite others to share in some joy, as she celebrates the last of 51 years of the Hootenany. Marsh said the weekly sing-a-longs, complete with flag-waving, dancing, contests to see who can hold notes the longest and more began when her mom worked at Allegany State Park. A lover of the park and her guitar, Marsh was asked by park staff to entertain some campers. At one point, she’d go to different campfires to do some singing with campers. Fifty-one years later, hundreds come to the Thursday night events, with kids once brought by their parents now bringing children of their own.
“Five generations of families come,” said Marsh, who has raised money for charities and even sung for a celebrity or two. Despite the notoriety, it is the joy she spreads to the people who sing with her that makes her shed a tear or two on her way home from the events.
“I can’t even tell you the joy of it,” she said, adding if the people come, she will too. Marsh has missed only three Hootenanies in the 50 years she has done them, she said. And, when people can’t come, she takes the Hootenany to them. For instance, she got sponsors so 50-year Hootenany t-shirts could be made and sold for $5 each. Boxes were shipped out across the country so all who wanted could celebrate the anniversary. Hootenany parties were held from North Carolina to California. She also gets videos back-some of children singing the songs she taught them. Add some raffles and donations, and Marsh was able to continue spreading joy in the winter months, as 152 families in-need got gift cards for Christmas.
Putting smiles on faces is nothing new for Marsh. “When you come to the Hootenany, you will have a smile on your face all night long,” she said, adding there is enough bad news people face today. “For one night, they forget about everything, she said. Marsh said there is one thing not allowed at the events.
“No politics,” she said, adding instead locals mix with campers as all are welcome to sing together and honor veterans. Some who come may even challenge her to a song request.
She urges newcomers to join in also. “Come right down the road,” she said, adding the events are free and feature other local talent, as well. Elvis and Frank Sinatra impersonators, dancers and more have opened the show, where vendors are also available. Besides, she said, “it never rains on Thursday night.”
The Hootenanies are now held at the outdoor amphitheater of the Seneca Iroquois National Museum. Entertainment starts at 7pm, with the Hootenany at 8pm, Thursdays June 30-Sept. 1.