JACKSON READIES FOR TRADITION; HOMECOMERS RUNS TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY

JACKSON -- At the first Homecomers in 1908, the best-decorated carriage in the Flower Parade won the owner $10 in gold, the oldest man born in Cape Girardeau County received a gold-headed cane, and the oldest woman was given a gold thimble.

The event was the occasion for political speeches, a balloon ascension and a military parade.

In later years, 84-year-old Clarence Schade recalls, freak shows were popular Homecomers attractions. As a teen-ager he saw one in which supposed New Guinea savages supposedly ate rats.

"They had a big tent across Main Street. And they paid 1 cent each for all rats brought into them," Schade said. "In those days there were plenty of rats because everybody had a barn."

Times have changed.

When Homecomers 1999 begins Tuesday, the primary attractions will be the carnival, the nightly talent contests and entertainment by rock 'n' roll and country bands. And the winners of the attendance prizes will get good old cash.

Homecomers usually is a final celebration before the start of school for Jackson students. But this year, students who go to Tuesday's first night of Homecomers will have to get up early Wednesday for the first day of school.

The celebration will begin at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday with a performance by the Jackson Municipal Band. American Pie will play classic rock at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The annual Miss Homecomers Pageant will not be held this year because of a lack of entrants. The pageant will return next year but in several age divisions.

The Homecomers Talent Show begins at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday and continues at the same time Thursday and Friday on the stage in front of the courthouse. Thursday night will feature vocals by children 6 to 12 and dancing in all age groups.

Prizes will be awarded Friday night. The overall winner of the 13- to 21-year-old age group will be invited to compete at the MidSouth Fair in Memphis, Tenn. Others who place in the contest sometimes are invited to the fair as well.

The entertainment Wednesday night will be provided by the Country Touch Band. Thursday night's band is Time Machine.

The Donnie Harris Karaoke and Sound System will provide music beginning at 8 p.m. Friday. Local favorites Robyn Hosp and Mike Dumey will perform at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, followed by Two for the Show at 8 p.m.

Schade's memories of some earlier Homecomers include glass eaters, one of whom settled in Jackson. "He married a Jackson girl and fathered a valedictorian," he said.

Usually an outdoor dance floor was set up. "They almost always had a pretty good band like Jack Stalcup or Peg Meyer," he said.

High wire acts entertained in the air at the square, and the artists didn't use a net, Schade said.

He also remembers seeing Jesse James's supposed cadaver at one Homecomers.

"It was a real cadaver and it had some bullet markings -- I won't say bullet holes," Schade said. "This version died a natural death in Oklahoma at 106 years old."