WOMAN TAKES HER 78TH TRIP TO FESTIVAL

JACKSON -- In 78 years Edna Hopkins hasn't missed a Jackson Homecomers.

The 100-year-old Jacksonian is such a fixture at Homecomers that she has her own spot on the courthouse lawn for observing the event. Last year, Hopkins was recognized for her years of attendance.

"If I make five nights in a row, they are going to reserve a spot," said Hopkins, a 48-year resident of Jackson. She formerly lived in Sedgewickville.

People young and old crowded around Hopkins Wednesday evening to say hello.

"I know so many people," she said, adding that she came last night to hear the Jackson Municipal Band perform.

The Jackson Homecomers began in 1908 when merchants decided to commemorate the completion of the Cape Girardeau County Courthouse. The Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158 has organized the event since 1947.

In its 87-year history, Homecomers has been canceled only twice, during World Wars I and II.

The annual event continues through Saturday. It officially began Tuesday evening with an address by Mayor Paul Sander. About 2,000 people attended the opening night, said event co-chairman Tom Sperling.

During the five-day celebration, Jackson residents visit with neighbors and friends who have moved away or are new to town.

Sloan Tuschhoff is relatively new to town, although he's been lived in the same house for many years. His property recently was annexed into Jackson. "The city came out to us," he quipped.

Tuschhoff has been a regular at Homecomers since he was a teenager.

"They put on good shows," he said, reminiscing about the trapeze and high wire acts of the past. Now the evening's entertainment is a youth talent show followed by a local band.

Several streets around the courthouse are barricaded to allow food stands and carnival rides to operate during the evening.

Jamaica Joe's Mini Boats, the equivalent of floating bumper cars, was a popular ride for many children during Wednesday's hot weather.

One of the youngest Homecomers enthusiasts Wednesday was 7-month-old Sydney Marie Rapp. She enjoyed her first merry-go-round ride with parents Tab and Terri Rapp.

Entertainment is scheduled each night on the courthouse lawn each night. The annual Jackson Homecomers Queen Pageant begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

Money raised from the Jackson Homecomers event will be donated to local charities or given as scholarships of the American Legion, said event co-chairman Bill Poe.