Jackson's festival now in July

~ The change was made in response to public demand.

Those who love the Jackson Homecomers festival will get their summer treat a little early this year.

The festival that usually occurs in mid-August has been moved up this year to the end of July, starting on Tuesday and continuing through July 29. Richard Aguilar of the American Legion, which sponsors the event, said organizers hope to make the change permanent.

Marybeth Williams, executive director of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, said the shift was in response to public demand.

"People just wanted it away from the beginning of school," she said.

Other than the change in date, Homecomers will be the same old festival Jackson residents are familiar with.

"That's the best part about Homecomers -- it's always that traditional event that's always the same," Williams said.

That sameness will include the annual highlight of Homecomers -- the talent show. The talent show will be grouped into three categories this year -- vocal solo or group ages 13 to 21, vocal solo or group ages 6 to 13 and dance or other talent ages 6 to 12.

Talent contests begin July 26 and continue through July 29, when the finals will be the featured event on the Homecomers stage.

Entertainment will also be provided by The Country Touch Band on July 26 and 27, Coyote Creek on July 28 and Tommy Hubbs Band on July 29.

Entertainment opens on Tuesday with a performance by the Jackson Municipal Band and the Miss Homecomers Queen contest.

Homecomers festivities will also include the adult 5K race and one-mile youth run on Tuesday at the Jackson City Park and the Tour de Homecomers bicycle ride on July 29.

Streets in uptown Jackson will be closed for the festival beginning Sunday night, said Capt. Bob Bonney of the Jackson Police Department. They will remain closed throughout the festival, excluding Jefferson Street and Adams Street.

Entries can still be taken for the talent contest through Thursday by calling 243-8131. Entries will also be accepted for the queen contest.

This will be the 98th year for Homecomers in Jackson.

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182

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Schedule:

July 25

6:30 p.m.: Homecomers welcome by Mayor Paul Sander and the Jackson Municipal Band; one-mile youth race

7 p.m.: Adult 5K race

8 p.m.: Miss Homecomers Queen Contest

10 p.m.: American Legion Post attendance prizes

July 26

6:30 p.m.: Homecomers Talent Show (vocal solo or group, ages 13 to 21)

8:30 p.m.: The Country Touch Band

10 p.m.: American Legion Post attendance prizes

July 27

6:30 p.m.: Homecomers Talent Show (vocal solo or group, ages 6 to 13)

8: 30 p.m.: The Country Touch Band

10 p.m.: American Legion Post attendance prizes

July 28

6:30 p.m.: Homecomers Talent Show (dance or other talent, solo or group, ages 6 to 12)

8:30 p.m.: Coyote Creek

10 p.m.: American Legion Post attendance prizes

July 29

7:30 a.m.: Tour de Homecomers

6:30 p.m.: Talent show finals

8:30 p.m.: Tommy Hubbs Band

10 p.m.: American Legion Post grand prize drawing