Concerts, sports and other events in Jackson

Summer is a busy time in Jackson. Activity in the park picks up a great deal with baseball and softball league games going on. With two grandchildren participating in those leagues, I am one of those spending extra time in the park in the summer.

The swimming pool opened May 26. It is a popular spot in the summer. For questions about the swimming pool or for swim lesson information, call 243-8343.

The Jackson Municipal Band had its first concert of the season on Memorial Day. This concert of patriotic music is part of the ceremony honoring our veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. It is always a stirring and somber ceremony with guest speakers who are veterans and can give a firsthand account of what it means to serve.

Thanks to our American Legion for sponsoring the ceremony and to the American Legion Auxiliary for providing the continental breakfast and the opportunity for fellowship following the ceremony.

The municipal band has been giving free concerts in Jackson since 1920. While the size of the band has grown and the location has changed as it has expanded, the goal is still the same -- offering free (tax-funded by city of Jackson residents) summer concerts to anyone who enjoys good music.

The band now performs every Thursday night at the band shell in city park. The entrance is off Route D by the skateboard area. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Most concerts start at 8 p.m., but the occasional "extended" concerts featuring special guests start at 7 p.m. The schedule is on the city's website at www.jacksonmo.org under Parks and Recreation/Municipal Band.

Cruising uptown Jackson is already in full swing. This event is held the second Saturday of each month from April through September on the Courthouse Square from 6 to 9 p.m. While this is basically a display of antique and classic cars, they often have other things going on.

For this coming Saturday, it will be an Ol' Time Street Dance sponsored by Montgomery Bank. There will be free hot dogs, free lemonade, good music, and dancing. There will even be a prize awarded for the best '50s clothing attire. (Ladies, get out your poodle skirts and saddle oxfords.)

Another free musical event during the month of June is the Rock in the Rock Garden series held in the Rock Garden of the city park at 7:30 p.m. every Friday in the month of June. Because there are five Fridays in June this year, we'll have the opportunity to have an additional performance. Bring your lawn chair and join us at the Rock Garden this Friday.

Although it's early, mark your calendars for June 23 for our e-cycle event at the Recycling Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is an opportunity to dispose of any old electrical devices that no longer work or are so old you don't use them anymore. You're also helping the environment by recycling them instead of dumping them in a landfill.

Barbara Lohr is the mayor of Jackson.