A Charitable Sole (Australia) Western Weekender August 20, 1999 Country Festival Producer Joe 'Mac' Manamon shows off a precious gift - the late John Denver's favourite boots! With the passing of Country legend John Denver the world was robbed of a hugely talented and caring man dedicated to raising the awareness of environmental issues and someone who was always ready to lend a hand to those in need. Even though he is gone now his legacy lives on in the spirit of giving. John Denver's family have donated his favourite black boots to be auctioned for charity during the Second Sydney Country & Dance Festival to be held in venues across the region over the second weekend in September. The boots, made by world famous bootmakers Lucchese, were purchased by Mr Denver for $595 US, according to the price tag attached to the original box the boots were transported over in. They are well worn and feature that classic American hand-tooled style. According to Mr Denver's family they were in his possession for at least five years and were often worn at numerous events he attended. They were however even more special to John and became the boots he wore at home as well. The boots were secured by Festival Producer Joe Mac Manamon who wrote to many international figures, including President Clinton, asking for personal items that may be auctioned for charity at one of the various events staged across the country. While he may not have received items from Mr Clinton or other famous dignitaries, Joe's disappointment was more than forgotten when, with the help of Mark Simpkin, the brother of John Denver's former Australian wife, such a precious and personal item was received. "I am a great fan of John Denver's music and I don't mind saying that I got goose bumps when I opened the box for the first time," said Joe. "It was an eerie feeling to think these were the favourite footwear of a man who did so much not only for the Country music industry but for the world environment and the needy. "While I imagine John would have owned many boots I can tell these were particularly special to him because he kept their original box, they are well worn in and because he had them re-soled rather than buying new ones". The boots are expected to attract a lot of attention from fans who would like to own such a significant item. They will be auctioned on Saturday September 11 at the Festival's 9th Annual Tamworth on Parade Show to be held at Rooty Hill RSL. Mr Mac Manamon is also seeking an auctioneer willing to help out with the sale of the boots on the day. All of the money raised from the auction will go towards helping Festival Princess 12 year old Crystal Parras, who has Spina Bifida, and her friends who attend a special unit of Port Macquarie Primary School. In gratitude Crystal will sing a special song on the day which was written for her titled 'The Festival Princess". "I firmly believe that even if John were alive he would have donated something to our cause," said Joe. "Maybe not his favourite boots, but something that would have helped raise money for the children. "It just goes to show that good intentions in life can carry on long after your gone". A reserve price for the boots has been set $2,000 and until Auction day they will be on display in the Rooty Hill RSL foyer.