Organizers gear up for Jackson Homecomers celebration

Preparations are in full swing for Jackson's annual Homecomers celebration, which runs Tuesday through July 25 next week.

Homecomers Committee chairman Larry Koehler said this year's event will continue the Homecomers tradition Jackson residents have enjoyed for more than 100 years.

"It's the 107th year we've had Homecomers," he said. "It's always been there. I grew up with it."

This year's Homecomers festivities will include a special tribute to Vietnam veterans.

"I was there in '68," Koehler said. "[This ceremony] will be a recognition of those who served in Vietnam. It's about 50 years late, but it's a welcome home to those who served in Vietnam."

Koehler is a member of American Legion Post 158, Homecomers' sponsor, and said it's important veterans -- especially those who served in Vietnam -- receive a welcome home.

"They won't have to speak or do anything," he said. "We just want them to be there, to thank them for their service."

Koehler's wife, Beverly, this year's entertainment coordinator, said turnout is consistently in the thousands.

"We don't know exactly how many people are getting into the fairgrounds," she said. "But I think they usually figure there's about 10- or 12,000 people."

Tuesday's musical entertainment will be the Iron Mountain Players, Wednesday is Gospel Night and bingo, Bittersweet will play Thursday, Platinum Strings on July 24 and Manitou on July 25.

There's no charge for admission.

Carnival rides will run Thursday through Saturday.

For a full schedule of Homecomers events, visit jacksonhomecomers.com.

tgraef@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

Jackson, Mo.