Davy Day Draws Fans

— BEAVERTOWN — It’s no longer a mystery to Valerie Kairys Venet why the late Davy Jones lived much of his later years in a small, sleepy town in the Valley.

For the first time, the former Monkees television series actress who appeared in 18 episodes between 1966 and 1968 visited Beavertown and the music festival held in Jones’ honor each year since his death in 2012.

As she drove along the scenic route to reach the carnival grounds and interacted with the people of the borough, she realized why Jones stayed here.

“This is spectacular. These are wonderful people. The love from all these people is amazing and beautiful. It’s my honor and my pleasure to be here,” the Los Angeles resident said as a tribute band played familiar old tunes.

Jones, who died at 66 in February 2012, owned a home and raised horses for more than 20 years in Beavertown.

The annual event — attended Saturday by at least 150 fans — is keeping Jones’ memory alive, she said.

“He was a shining example of kindness, love and the way all people should be. I think he was born that way,” she said.

Michael Shoenfelt, a Monkees enthusiast from Roaring Springs who has organized the musical festival for the past three years, said some fans came all the way from Ontario and Japan.

“People want to remember him, and it gives fans a way to do that,” he said. “Everyone here just hangs out and has a good time.”

Entertainment included The Frodis Capers, The Monkeephiles, The Characters, The Blue Beanies, Monkees historian Fred Velez and live karaoke.

Jones’ daughters Talia Jones-Roston, Sarah Jones McFadden and Annabele Jones also attended and represented the Davy Jones Equine Memorial Foundation.

Altoona artist Chuck LaMark is still working diligently on a statue of Jones, which will eventually be displayed in a former church Jones purchased years ago with plans to convert it into a community center or theater.

LaMark is taking his time to ensure the statue is of high quality, Shoenfelt said.

However, LaMark brought a bust of Jones as a sneak peek of what is to come. The head watched over the festival as fans enjoyed the music and the bands played.

Food, beverages and T-shirts also were sold at the event.

A Memorial Bed Race that was scheduled to be held before the event at the Beaver Springs Dragway was canceled because of lack of registrants, according to Wendy Trego, program coordinator at the Middlecreek Area Community Center in Beaver Springs.

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