Jackson Homecomers kicks off Tuesday

Jackson will again welcome former residents and family members for the 103rd Jackson Homecomers from Tuesday to July 30. Jackson Mayor Barbara Lohr kicks off the celebration with a welcome speech at the main stage at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. Lohr's speech will be followed by several nights of entertainment. Each event will take place at the stage in front of the courthouse.

Tuesday

The Jackson Municipal Band will play the first concert of Homecomers directly after the mayor's speech. The midway opens at 6:30 p.m., while a one-mile youth run is set for Jackson City Park at the same time. A 5K race follows at the park at 7.

In the highlight of Tuesday's opening-night schedule, reigning Homecomers queen Sydney Lambert of Bloomfield, Mo., turns over her crown to the winner of the 2011 pageant, which begins at 8 p.m. at the courthouse stage. The pageant is open to girls in grades nine to 12.

Each girl will be dressed to match the patriotic theme of Homecomers and will answer questions on stage. In addition to the crown, the winner and first runner-up will receive prizes provided by merchants.

Wednesday

The midway opens at 6 p.m., just before entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m. with the Senior Idol contest. Those age 55 and older can show off their singing voices and compete for the People's Choice Award during the event, which is being held for the fifth year and gaining in popularity, according to Homecomers director Linda Penzel.

Penzel said around 10 people performed last year with acts ranging from singing to comedy to piano.

"You never know what's going to come up up there," she said.

The stage entertainment takes on a spiritual flavor at 8 p.m. with the Gospel Singing Event. Organizers have invited contemporary and traditional groups from area churches to perform.

Thursday

The popular talent show starts Thursday with the preliminary competitions, which include two dance categories -- ages 6 to 12 at 6:30 p.m. and 13 to 21 at 7 p.m. -- and the vocal competition, for ages 13 to 21, at 7:30. In the event of rain the show will be held at the First Presbyterian Church.

"Both nights we have a really big crowd for the talent show," Penzel said.

The talent competition is open to amateur performers, including solo performers, duets and groups.

Thursday is also armband night, promising to keep the ride operators busy on the midway, which opens at 6 p.m. Patrons can purchase an armband entitling them to unlimited midway rides. The armband price has not yet been announced.

July 29

After the midway opens at 6 p.m. Friday evening, the talent show finals get underway at 6:30. Winners in the different categories receive prizes, and the overall winner in the 13 to 21 age group earns the right to compete at the Youth Talent Contest at the Mid-South Fair in Southaven, Miss. The fair, previously held in Memphis, Tenn., has seen budding superstars such as Elvis Presley, Justin Timberlake and Patsy Cline perform in its talent show.

Penzel said that a talent scout from the Mid-South Fair will be on hand and may invite more than one act to perform at the Mississippi fair. Last year six acts received invitations to the fair.

After the talent winners leave the limelight, the Cabin Fever Band from Marble Hill, Mo., takes the courthouse stage to entertain the audience with its blend of gospel and bluegrass music.

July 30

To highlight the patriotic theme of the week, the U.S. 312th Army Band will play the final night of 2011 Homecomers. After the midway opens at 6 p.m., the 312th Army Band takes the courthouse stage at 6:30 with selections ranging from fanfares, marches and patriotic music. Jackson native Brent Kinder performs with the 312th.

"I've been trying to get them for about 2 1/2 years," Penzel said about the band, which is based in Lawrence, Kan.

Local singer and songwriter Jefferson Fox will follow the band concert. Fox's insightful ballads have earned him a growing audience. His song "My Brother's Keeper" -- done in collaboration with several area musicians -- was included on a CD sampler by Blues Revue magazine.

In the event of rain, the band concert and Jefferson Fox performance will be moved to the Jackson High School auditorium.