JACKSON PREPARES FOR HOMECOMERS

The Tourism Committee of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce joins Jackson American Legion Post 158 to co-chair the Jackson Homecomers on Aug. 18 - 22.

A welcoming address by Mayor Paul Sander at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday will signal the official beginning of the 90th annual Jackson Homecomers.

Following Sander's welcome, entertainment will be provided by the Jackson Municipal Band until the start of the annual talent show at 7:30 p.m..

Tuesday's portion of the talent show is reserved for acts other than dancing. There will be two age groups, 6-12 and 13-21.

Group or solo dancing acts perform on Wednesday. Due to the large number of entries, the events will begin at 6 p.m. instead of the previously announced 7 p.m. The same age groups will apply.

Music will be provided by "The Country Torch" band following Wednesday's talent competition.

Tuesday and Wednesday winners will compete Thursday night. All winners on finals night will receive cash prizes and plaques.

The overall winner of the 13-21 age group will be invited to the Youth Talent Contest at the MidSouth Fair in Memphis.

Union Planters Bank and the Tourism Committee is sponsoring "The Missouri Girls," a group of young women who have competed for the title of Miss Missouri. This group will provide entertainment before, during and after the Homecomers queen festivities.

Miss Missouri 1995, Erin Phillips; Miss Missouri 1996, Kim Massaro; Miss Missouri 1997, Michelle Eise and the current Miss Missouri, Deborah McDonald, will travel throughout the audience giving autographs during intermissions.

The pageant will begin at 7 p.m. Friday at the gazebo.

"The Passive Link" band will provide entertainment following the queen crowning ceremonies.

Robyn Hosp and Company will entertain from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. Following their performance will be the featured entertainment, "Two for the Show," a five-member country music and comedy team. This performance is sponsored by Nearly Perfect Shoes and the Tourism Committee.

American Legion members will begin giving attendance prizes at 10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Five $100 cash attendance prizes are awarded nightly. The Legion will hold its grand raffle drawing at 11 p.m. Saturday.

Raffle prizes for this year are: a $500 gift certificate from Schafer's IGA or Save-A-Lot, first prize; another $500 gift certificate from Schafer's IGA and Save-A-Lot, second prize; and 250 gallons of gasoline from Stogie's Texaco, third prize.

Traffic will be blocked from the uptown Jackson streets so everyone may enjoy the festivities safely.

There will be plenty of food booths providing a variety of selections. Informational booths will be set up by area organizations.

United Expositions will be present again this year with rides, games and food. Those wanting to ride the night away can do so Thursday with a "bracelet night" ticket purchase.

With something for everyone, Jackson Homecomers is an event you won't want to miss.