JACKSON CHAMBER GETS READY FOR BANQUET, JULY 4 ACTIVITIES

JACKSON -- The Jackson Chamber of Commerce is planning for two of its biggest events.

On Monday the chamber will have its annual installation banquet and featured speaker.

Patty Reisenbichler, executive secretary, said the banquet is the highlight of the chamber's year.

"This is one of our biggest annual events," she said. In addition to the installation of new officers, former running back for the St. Louis Cardinals, Willard R. Harrell, will speak.

Jeff Moore, outgoing chamber president, said he was pleased to have Harrell as speaker. "We wanted to get away from political speakers and have someone different and entertaining," he said.

After spending three years as a Green Bay Packer, Harrell signed on with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1978.

He led the nation in all-purpose rushing yardage as a junior at the University of Pacific. And in 1983, he was elected to the Pacific Hall of Fame.

He resides in Lake Saint Louis with his wife Sandy and two children.

In 1985 Harrell retired from the NFL but is still very active in his community.

Reisenbichler said reservations for the dinner are a must and must be made by today at the chamber office.

The Jackson fourth of July activities are now being finalized. Reisenbichler said a tentative agenda has been published.

"We will have more than 150 people in the Jackson City Park participating in the Fourth of July Fun/Run," she said. The run, which begins at 7:30 a.m. will benefit the chamber's Red Ribbon Fund for drug prevention programs at local schools.

The local Pepsi-Cola office has donated sodas to participants and Pioneer Market will provide oranges.

The tentative schedule includes:

-- 7:30 a.m. - Drug Free Advisory Council Fun Run/Walk

-- 8 a.m. - Jackson Jaycess Mud Volleyball Tournament begins

-- 9 a.m. - noon - Car Ssow registration

-- 10 a.m. - Craft show begins

-- 10:30 a.m. - Knights of Columbus Horseshoe Tournament

-- 12:30 p.m. - Car show judging

-- 1 p.m. - Kid's games

-- 2:30 p.m. - Pie and watermelon eating contests

-- 3 p.m. - Car show trophy presentation

-- 4 p.m. Adult games

-- 5 p.m. - Tractor pedal pull

-- 6 p.m. - The Great Hubble Creek Regatta

-- 8 - 9:15 p.m. - Muny Band

-- 9:30 p.m. - fireworks

Music will be provided by Firewalker Sound System.