Coming home

Jackson Homecomers and the Leopold picnic have come and gone for this year, but it's never too late to thank all the hard-working individuals who plan and organize these annual events.

Aside from rain on the first day of the event last week, Jackson Homecomers was blessed with cooler weather than normal for July in Southeast Missouri. For the thousands who go to Homecomers, it's an opportunity to eat, have fun, listen to music, watch contests, try out the rides and -- best of all -- visit with friends and family and make new acquaintances.

Not too far away in Bollinger County, the hamlet of Leopold had its annual picnic Saturday. The common tie there is St. John Roman Catholic Church, which has held the fund-raising picnic since 1890. This year's event, held Saturday, drew the usual large crowds who enjoyed all the fine food that Leopold cooks are famous for.

Putting on shindigs like these is no easy task. But the many volunteers who take care of all the details love what they do. And the attendees -- many come year and year -- appreciate those efforts. Plenty of hard work went into making these popular events run smoothly. Hats off to every one of them. Thanks.