Jamborees are fun.

And they're simple concepts to give fans a chance to see the teams practice before the regular season.

They let the community come together and watch local student-athletes square off against schools outside the county.

They give the players a sense of "real" action before it starts counting in the wins and losses columns.

They give the coaches another look at ways to make the team better.

They ring in the fall before the fall.

Rocky Mount High coach B.W. Holt has coached teams in plenty of jamborees. Northern Nash coach Chad Smith knows exactly what to expect from his players while scrimmaging teams only seen this time of year.

Most of all, both coaches know what a jamboree does for county pride.

"This is huge," Smith said. "I think it's a great idea. ... People are buying into it, and as you can see, it's a great event."

Seeing is believing. The Rocky Mount Sports Complex football stadium home stands kept filling up with spectators as the overcast sky turned darker shades of blue. Eight different teams filled the grass and visitor stands.

Rocky Mount had a bona fide jamboree.

And Holt and company pulled it off.

"I think our people did a great job," Holt said. "Down the road, it's going to be a big deal."

Holt's right.

The foundation has been laid for Nash County to have its own successful jamboree – one that would rival any in Raleigh, Wilmington or Fayetteville.

Now, if the rest of the Nash County public schools join the event, the entire community will share the same pride.

Holt said he would like all six NEW 6 Conference teams to participate.

None would have to play each other – much like how Northern Nash and Rocky Mount High didn't have to meet Friday night – and all could come together as one.

"It's a way to showcase our league," Holt said.

Again, Holt's right.

More local teams mean more people in the stands. Cousins who haven't been able to root, in person, for each other stand on the same sideline despite wearing different team colors.

For this jamboree to grow, Holt and the other coaches need community help, too.

Parents know that, and they're stepping up.

"It's going to take a lot of us parents to get involved," Annette Davis said.

"If kids see parents pulling together, it will help the entire organization run better."

Annette Davis sat in the stands to watch her son Octavius run the ball for Northern Nash.

The junior scored the last touchdown during the second session against Winterville South Central.

Annette Davis is already making plans for next year's jamboree.

"I wish all parents would come out.

"It's fun."

Ben Jones can be reached at 407-9959 or bjones@coxnc.com