Summer fun gives way to fall festivities in Jackson

When school starts, my thoughts always drift back to my summer memories.

This was a good summer. I was able to make many of the muny band concerts and the Rock in the Rock Garden performances in June. It's so nice to be able to pull the lawn chair out of the car and choose a spot to listen to the music. These are wonderful opportunities to meet and visit with friends on pleasant summer evenings.

Since I also attend my grandson's baseball games several nights a week, I keep a lawn chair in the car all summer. I really enjoy these great activities that take place in the park -- and there is no admission fee.

Speaking of the park, I think you're all aware of the trout fishing program during the cooler weather, but I hear the catfish are now biting at Rotary Lake in the evenings.

Starting with the mud volleyball and car show in the early morning and ending with a muny band concert and fireworks display that night, there were plenty of activities to watch during the Independence Day celebration July 4.

While there also is no admission fee for this event, there was plenty of good food and drinks available.

This also is true of our American Legion sponsored Homecomers event. You can sit on your lawn chair in front of the stage and enjoy an evening of fine entertainment with no fee charged. However, I purchased a wide variety of good food from the vendors. Of course, my grandkids loved the rides and games.

The Cruisin' Jackson car show started the second Saturday in April and is held every second Saturday of the month through October in Uptown Jackson. There is no registration fee for the cars and no admission fee for visitors. It's just an opportunity to walk around and see some neat old cars and mingle with friends.

The next Cruisin' is Sept. 14. We'll have some special guests that evening as members of the River City Rodders and other show cars will be in Cape Girardeau in preparation for the River Tales Classic on Sunday. They're going to "cruise" over to Jackson about 6 p.m. and stop by our Cruisin'.

On the same date, Cobblestone Corner (130 S. High St. in Uptown Jackson) will be opening. They feature unique gift items, fashion, home décor, jewelry, accessories and privately-labeled wine. Drop in to check them out!

Another fun event is being planned by the Uptown Jackson Revitalization Organization. They will sponsor Oktoberfest, which will be held in conjunction with the last Cruisin' on Oct. 12.

This harvest celebration will feature the traditional German-style foods (plus BBQ), live music and a biergarten featuring seasonal craft beers. More activities are being finalized, and we'll get that information to you.

We will definitely have fun in Uptown Jackson on Oct. 12.

Barbara Lohr is the mayor of Jackson.