IT'S TIME TO COME HOME TO 84TH HOMECOMERS

It's time to come home for the 84th annual Jackson Homecomers. The celebration provides a chance to enjoy the waning days of summer vacation.

The five-day event runs Tuesday through Saturday, attracting crowds from throughout the region. The festival offers a chance to meet old friends, and enjoy home-grown entertainment. Homecomers provides one of the best opportunities for local talent to shine in the spotlight.

The annual festival is steeped in tradition. It originated in 1908 as a way to commemorate the dedication of the newly-constructed Cape Girardeau County Courthouse. Each year since - except during both world wars - Homecomers has drawn thousands to the courthouse lawn.

But the tradition doesn't mean Homecomers hasn't kept pace with the times.

The 1991 celebration has been shortened by one day. That change was the result of a survey circulated last year by the Jackson Homecomers Improvement Committee. The committee was formed in response to growing concerns by merchants and businesses in the uptown shopping district. The barricaded streets for carnival rides and games had taken a toll on business activity over the years.

Organizers decided that instead of a drastic change such as moving the festivities to the city park they would shorten the activities by one day.

We applaud the American Legion Post 158, city leaders, businessmen and others for working together to improve the celebration. A follow-up survey may reveal if this year's changes were sufficient to assist uptown merchants.

Actually, the pleasure of Homecomers is not limited to a few days in August. After the bills are paid, the American Legion uses Homecomers "profits" to carry out charity events throughout the year as well as award several scholarships. The legion uses proceeds to aid stranded families who come through Jackson, to sponsor a Christmas party for children, and to pay for Christmas and Thanksgiving baskets for families whose needs are not met by other programs - just to name a few.

Homecomers doesn't just happen. It represents a year of exhaustive planning and hard work by hundreds of dedicated volunteers. Bill Poe and Tom Sperling co-chair this year's festivities.

Now, it's time to do our part support Homecomers by turning out in record numbers this week. It's our patronage that ensures the good work of Homecomers can continue all year long.