The steady rain falling this afternoon will postpone or cancel some of the events scheduled for the 101st Annual Jackson Homecomers and relocate others, said Homecomers entertainment director Linda Penzel.

The welcome speech by Jackson Mayor Barbara Lohr, slated for 6:15 p.m., has been moved to Wednesday, and the performance by the Jackson Municipal Band is canceled, Penzel said.

The Homecomers 1-mile youth run and 5K race, planned to start at 6:30 p.m., will start rain or shine, according to Jackson city officials.

The rest the week's events will not be affected by the changes, Penzel said.

The 2009 Miss Homecomers Queen contest has been moved to the First Presbyterian Church, 206 E. Washington St., and will still begin at 8 p.m. tonight, Penzel said.

As for the rest of today's festival, Penzel said ride operators will wait to see what the weather does and how many people show up.

"I think if we have a crowd and there's no lightning, the rides will start," Penzel said.

There is only a slight chance of thunderstorms in the region tonight, but heavier rainfall may be possible, according to the National Weather Service in Paducah, Ky.

Pertinent address:

206 E. Washington St., Jackson, Mo.