HOMECOMINGS TRADITION RETURNS PEOPLE TO JACKSON FEST

JACKSON -- At 9 a.m. on a September day in 1908, every whistle and bell in the city sounded to herald the beginning of the first Jackson Homecomers. More than 15,000 people, most of whom came by wagon and train, attended the event begun as an annual reunion of those with ties to the area.

Missouri Gov. Joseph W. Folk spoke along with some gubernatorial candidates. One of the largest carnivals in the country held forth for the entire week of dances, fiddlers contests, military parades, speeches and physical matches among the militiamen.

Ninety years later, the basic idea of Homecomers is intact. Beginning Tuesday and continuing through Saturday, courthouse square will be awash with talent shows, musical entertainment, a beauty pageant, carnival rides and the people who've come once again to enjoy it all.

Edward D. Hays, a probate judge, congressman and civic leader, conceived of the first Homecomers as a reunion and celebration. Prizes were given for the person who came from the farthest away -- Washington State -- for the oldest man, oldest woman and longest married. Many people spent the week encamped along Hubble Creek.

The monument to Mexican War hero and Confederate Col. William L. Jeffers was unveiled at the entrance to the old cemetery at the first Homecomers. The new courthouse also was dedicated.

The event was suspended during World War I and resumed briefly afterward but interest lagged, reportedly because of bitter feelings that arose after the war in the heavily German community and due to over-commercialization.

No Homecomers was held from 1923 to 1934, and another world war intervened, but the celebration was revived permanently in 1947.

Mayor Paul Sander will welcome everyone to Homecomers, and the Jackson Municipal Band will play to begin the festivities at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The first round of the talent contest will follow at 7:30.

Seventy-eight individuals and groups will sing, dance and do whatever else they do during this year's talent contest, which begins Tuesday and continues through Thursday (see schedule). Marybeth Williams, who is supervising the evening activities on behalf of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, said the starting time for the talent had to be moved up to accommodate all the contestants.

Some are coming from as far away as Desloge and Poplar Bluff.

The entertainment ranges from gospel and Christian groups to a Spice Girls rendition in the 6- to 12-year-old competition.

There will be more talent competition Wednesday night in addition to a concert by The Country Touch Band.

The talent finals will be Thursday night, with more music by The Country Touch Band.

The winner of the 13 to 21 age group talent contest qualifies to compete at the MidSouth Fair in Memphis in September.

Seven young women have entered the queen contest to be decided Friday night. The singing and dancing entertainment will be provided by The Missouri Girls, featuring two former Miss Missouri winners and the current Miss Missouri, Deborah McDonald.

The contest will be followed by a concert by the Passive Link Band.

Robyn Hosp and Company will kick off the entertainment on Saturday followed for the first time by the festival's featured entertainment -- Two for the Show.

The show band consists of five musicians who like to make people laugh. They play country music along with Ray Stevens and Spike Jones pantomimes.

The band has performed with several shows in Branson and has appeared at Silver Dollar City's 4,500-seat Echo Hollow Amphitheater. They are featured at the annual Branson Fan Fest in the spring.

Jackson Homecomers Schedule

Tuesday

6:30 p.m. -- Welcome by Mayor Paul Sander

6:30 p.m. -- Jackson Municipal Band

7:30 p.m. -- Talent Show (vocals age 13-21)

Wednesday

6 p.m. -- Talent Show (vocals age 6-12, dance age 6-12, dance age 13-21)

9 p.m. -- The Country Touch Band

Thursday

7 p.m. -- Talent Show Finals

9 p.m. -- The Country Touch Band

Friday

7 p.m. Queen Contest featuring The Missouri Girls

9 p.m. -- Passive Link Band

Saturday

7 p.m. -- Robyn Hosp and Company

9 p.m. - Two for the Show