Jackson's Homecomers is part of the fabric of a community

From left, Lynnon Machiran, Emerson Williams and Kingslee Machiran make their way down the Super Slide at Jackson Homecomers.

Nathan Gladden ~ Southeast Missourian

There are certain events that are a staple of a community. For Jackson, few are more significant than one held this time of year during the heat of summer: Homecomers.

This week, the annual outdoor festival returned to Uptown for a week of food, rides, music and fun with friends. There's been tunes from the Jackson Municipal Band and other local musicians, traditional fair food and carnival rides and various vendors. Of course, it's a political year and candidates make use of the opportunity to glad hand voters.

Possibly the biggest highlight of the week is the opportunity to visit with friends -- old and new. It's all about community, and Jackson, Missouri does community well.

There's still time to get out to Homecomers, which continues through Saturday. Make sure to check out the Southeast Missourian's photo galleries from the week's events at semissourian.com.

Special thanks to all those who help organize Homecomers each year. It's quite the undertaking, but this event is also part of the fabric of the community.