Homecomers talent show participation rebounds

Southeast Missourian

Eighteen people age 14 through 18 will compete in the senior division of the Jackson Homecomers Talent Show tonight, which starts at 6 p.m.

Last year was a down year in terms of participants -- only 12 people signed up to try their skills before the talent show judges. Jackson Chamber of Commerce executive director Marybeth Williams, who helps organize the contest as part of Jackson's American Business Women's Association chapter, said she thought last year's dip in contestants was due to moving Homecomers from August to July.

But Williams said this year's attendance appears to be up after the festival's first day.

"We can't remember taking this many calls about Homecomers in one day," Williams said from the chamber offices, where people call for Homecomers information. "The move to July has really been a success for Homecomers."

The winners of tonight's competition will go on to participate in the talent contest finals Saturday.