JACKSON HOMECOMERS STARTS TONIGHT

JACKSON -- It's time for corn dogs and carnival rides and fun all around.

The 1996 Homecomers celebration will kick off tonight with the unveiling of the city's new mural.

Mayor Paul Sander and local artist Herb Wickham, who chaired Jackson's mural committee, will "unveil" the artwork at about 6:45 p.m.

Then the Jackson Municipal Band will begin its final hometown concert at 7 p.m. from the gazebo on the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse lawn.

Jackson American Legion Post 158 sponsors the celebration.

Homecomers wraps up Saturday night with the coronation of Miss Jackson Homecomers 1996.

Homecomers coordinator Bill Poe, who's been working with the festival since about 1953, said this week's event will feature lots of family fun, including a variety of entertainment, rides, games and concession stands nightly.

"We've got a new funhouse for sure," Poe said, adding other new attractions are also planned.

United Expositions will once again be in charge of the carnival.

Homecomers brings an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 into the uptown Jackson area every year. Admission is free, so it is difficult for organizers to get an accurate count on just big the crowds are.

Streets around the courthouse will be closed off as people pour into the area to enjoy the festival.

Jackson merchants first organized Homecomers in 1908. Since then, only World Wars I and II have stopped the celebration when organizers couldn't get supplies for refreshments.

The annual talent competition will start at 8 p.m. Wednesday on the courthouse lawn, said Jim Nelson, who is chairing competition.

"We have about double the number of acts we had last year," Nelson said. The contest is open to children ages 6 to 21.

He said about 100 acts will perform Wednesday and Thursday, and the finalists will compete Friday night for cash and prizes.

"There's going to be a bunch of kids," Nelson said.

The Miss Jackson Homecomers Pageant will begin at 7:30 p.m. Twelve girls from around the area have signed up for the competition so far. Registration is open through Wednesday.

The Jackson High School chorus will perform at 7 p.m. before the pageant, and entertainment will be provided throughout the intermission and breaks, Williams said.

The city's new drug-detecting dog will make its debut during Homecomers, and several informational stands will be set up.