In early 1994, the Town of Geraldton received notice that MacLeod Provincial Park would be closing. A citizens group was formed to find a way to keep the Park from being decommissioned and turned over to private ownership.

Subsequently, the Town of Geraldton entered into an agreement with the Province of Ontario to operate the Park under municipal management. Later that year, in a determined effort to preserve this beautiful natural resource and a way of life valued by so many residents, a small group of Park campers proposed the idea of a fund-raising musical event to be held in MacLeod Provincial Park. Any profits from the event would go towards the park’s operations. In 1995, the first Jamboree was born.

As can be imagined, the Jamboree has depended heavily on the participation of hundreds of volunteers since the beginning. Several improvements were made to the site. With financial assistance from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and the Municipality of Geraldton in 2000, the Jamboree Committee upgraded the electrical system, built a permanent stage and installed a convertible band shell system. An office trailer, donated by Barrick Gold Inc. in 2001, was refurbished to provide an on-site office and change rooms for visiting artists. Since then, profits from each Jamboree have been re-invested in Park upgrades.

 In 2004 the Jamboree Committee became registered as a non-profit corporation as "Friends of MacLeod Park". We are a volunteer committee, dedicated to maintaining this event and our Provincial Park. Inspired by the efforts and events of 1994 that led to the establishment of this exciting event, committee members donate countless hours meeting throughout the year and working to produce a successful Jamboree. These events are a huge undertaking in terms of volunteer and financial commitment as well as the attention to detail required for every facet of the event.

 Heading into its 17th year, the Geraldton Music Jamboree has established itself on the summer entertainment map as one of northern Ontario's major outdoor concert events, attracting thousands of visitors from across the Greenstone Region, Canada, and the bordering United States.

 And when all is said and done... when the lights come down, the band shell is folded up and the tents are gone... the Friends of Macleod Park are already planning next year's entertainment!