A busy month for outdoor events in Jackson

Could it be that spring has finally arrived? I sure hope so because there are many outdoor activities scheduled in April in the city of Jackson. All our school sports and the youth sports leagues are in full swing. The Jackson Elks are sponsoring a skateboard contest at the Jackson skateboard park on Saturday. It is an open competition and there is no preregistration. Be there at 9 a.m. to enter the competition.

April 13 is the first of the Cruisin' Uptown Jackson car shows. They have extended the season this year so the event will be every second Saturday of the month, from April through October from 6 to 9 p.m. Bring your classic car to Uptown Jackson by the courthouse for display, or just stop by and visit. We offer a good car show with good music and camaraderie.

There also are special events in conjunction with several of the car shows. On June 8, they will have free hot dogs sponsored by Montgomery Bank, and Uptown Jackson will sponsor a Jackson Street Fair in conjunction with the car show on Oct. 12.

The city of Jackson will participate in the Show-Me Green sales tax holiday, which runs from April 19-25. During this week, no sales tax will be charged on the purchase of qualifying energy star certified appliances, up to $1,500 per appliance.

The Optimist Clubs of Cape Girardeau County will be sponsoring Youth in Government Day on April 24. This long-running event gives high school students an opportunity to learn more about the workings of municipal, county and federal government by "shadowing" officials from each level of government.

The students also will attend a "mock" city council meeting at which the student mayor and aldermen will preside. It is always interesting to get the students' perspective on issues that come up during the council meeting.

Also on April 24, the Kelly Miller Circus will be in Jackson. They will set up the circus tent in city park in the morning and have an afternoon and evening performance. You soon will be seeing their brochures and ads around town.

The park board will be host the annual Park Day on April 27. This event gives citizens an opportunity to volunteer their labor to clean up in the parks and get them looking good for spring and summer events. Volunteers may show up at Shelter No. 1 at 8 a.m. Saturday prepared to work. A T-shirt and light lunch will be served starting at 11 a.m.

The St. Louis-Iron Mountain Railroad will start its season in late April. They have added a variety of themes for special entertainment during the train rides. This special touch was well-received by the more than 4,000 passengers who rode the train last year.

The farmers market will begin at 2 p.m. the first Tuesday in May in the city park by the muny band parking lot. It will be nice to get outside for these events without wearing a heavy coat.

Barbara Lohr is the mayor of Jackson.