`BUMPER CROWDS' PACK STREETS FOR HOMECOMERS

JACKSON -- As the 1991 edition of Jackson Homecomers came to a close Saturday, chairman Bill Poe heaved a sign of relief, as he's done for the past decade at least.

But Poe admitted he'll be right back at the helm of the celebration again next year. He was assisted this year by co-chairman Tom Sperling.

The five-day Homecomers celebration, sponsored by the Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158, began Tuesday in uptown Jackson.

"Crowds have been really, really good," Poe said. "We've had bumper crowds."

But he refused to speculate on the actual attendance.

"There is really no way to know but I know we have had thousands of people. Friday night it was so crowded you could hardly walk near the stage."

"We also have about the same number of concessions," he said.

Evidence of this year's Homecomers celebration will have been cleared from Jackson streets by 4 a.m. today, Poe said. "It's in the contract, and everyone does a good job of that."

The 1991 celebration was shortened by one day. That change was the result of a survey circulated last year by the Jackson Homecomers Improvement Committee. The committee was formed in response to growing concerns by merchants and businesses in the uptown shopping district. The barricaded streets for carnival rides and games had taken a toll on business activity over the years.

Organizers decided that instead of a drastic change such as moving the festivities to the city park they would shorten the activities by one day. Homecomers started Tuesday instead of Monday.

"We felt if we scaled it back one day, maybe that would make a difference for the businesses," Poe said.

"Of course that will take one-sixth off our revenue," Poe said.

But he said he's not worried. "The food stands are doing rather well, and the carnival has been easy to work with.

"The talent show each night has drawn a big crowd. The talent show draws the grandpas and grandmas and aunts and uncles."

He said the Jackson Homecomers Queen contest Wednesday was also a crowd favorite. "They did a bang-up job," Poe said.

"I'm just real pleased with the way things have gone."

And, Poe said, at least some uptown businesses are benefiting by the event.

The carnival crew has purchased parts and equipment from the local hardware store. And he said a furniture store has opened its doors in the evening during the event.

"I think most of them like it," said Poe.

He predicted that Homecomers will continue to be an annual Jackson event for many years.

"It's just a tradition," Poe said. "You get to see people you only see once a year. All during the year I get calls from moms who say junior's planning his vacation and wants to be here for Homecomers."

The first Jackson Homecomers celebration was held in 1908.

"When they built the new courthouse they dedicated the courthouse with a street carnival," Poe said. "We've had one every year except the war years."

The American Legion took over organization of the festival in 1947.

"I've been chairman a good number of years," Poe said, trying to count back. "It's been 10, 12 maybe 15 years."

"It sure doesn't pay anything, and all you get is gripes, but I like it," Poe said. "I like it or I wouldn't keep doing it."

Poe has already agreed to head the 1992 celebration.

"Every year I say, boy, I'm glad this is over and I'll never do it again but I will."