PLANNING CONTINUES FOR 1996 FESTIVAL

Organizers of the 1996 Jackson Homecomers event are hopeful that new rides and attractions will boost attendance figures for this year's festival.

Sponsors and chairmen from the Jackson American Legion said that specific events, schedules and concessions are "in the planning stages". Homecomers runs from Aug. 13-17.

"We're always expecting a better turnout than the previous year," said Jim Nelson, chairman of the Homecomers Talent Show.

This year, a new ride, a competitive talent show and several new booths and concessions may contribute to the goal of attracting a larger crowd.

Bill Poe, Homecomers chairman, said that Joe Sutton and his crew at United Expositions will be bringing a new ride to this year's event. Details about the ride and its location, said Poe, will be announced as Homecomers approaches.

Nelson and E.P. Kurre, talent show coordinators, said that instrumental, vocal, acrobatic and other acts are welcome, but no piano performances will be allowed. Single, duet and group performers will compete the first three nights of the fair, with nightly winners competing in a grand finale contest on the fourth evening. Nightly winners will receive cash prizes. Finale winners will receive plaques in addition to cash prizes.

Winners from the 13-21 age group will be invited to participate in the Youth Talent Contest at Mid-South in Memphis, Tenn., Sept. 19-29.

Another prime attraction, the annual Homecomers Queen pageant and contest, will be held Aug. 17.

Several new stands with different types of foods will line Main Street, said concessions chairman Mike Proctor.

"We hope to have some new foods like pork burgers and some different foods than usual," said Proctor.

Informational booths sponsored by Democratic and Republican party candidates, the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, the Lutheran Home and other groups will also be featured at the event.