Jingle Bell Jubilee set for Friday
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Holton residents are planning to bring back the Holton Jamboree, a summer festival that features "back-yard" games, lots of good food and musical entertainment.

The festival was popular several years ago, but organizers were unable to continue for a variety of reasons. After careful consideration, a group formed, calling themselves the "Holton Hometowners" and decided to bring the festival back.

The group has met twice and has made many plans beginning with a Jingle Bell Jubilee on December 2. With free admission to the event, people are invited to hear a night of music with the Hoosier Hills Bluegrass group performing at 6:30 p.m. followed by the mellow tones of the Tri-County Harmonizers at 7:30 p.m. at the community building on Versailles Street. The doors will open at 6:00 p.m.

Santa Claus will be at the event and free refreshments will be offered. The Jamboree committee will be offering baked goods to kick off one of many fundraisers they will put on in order to make the festival possible next summer. Tentatively a date for a chili supper was set for January 28 at the community building with more to be announced closer to the event.

Officers for the Holton Jamboree committee have been elected with Billey Moore being the president, Ronald Palmer, vice-president; Henrietta Lay, treasurer; and Rhonda Tunny, secretary. A variety of committees have been formed with many spots available for anyone wanting to volunteer to help with the project. Typically the group will meet on the third Tuesday of each month to make plans for a June event. They will not meet in the month of December due to the holidays.

"We are excited about this event," noted Moore, who said it will take a lot of 'working together' to make it happen. He noted there are lots of openings for people who would like to volunteer. With the group just getting started, he also noted that anyone interested in bringing in a musical group for free should contact him.

Some popular events from past Jamborees will be revisited. The Sunbonnet Sue and Strawhat Sam Contest will be brought back. This is for area four and five years olds and will be held Friday evening of the festival. On Saturday, a parade will make its way through town and the festival itself will be held at the Holton Community Park off Versailles Street. There will be hourly drawings, a variety of "back-yard" type games, possibly a tractor pull, great stage entertainment, a variety of vendors and much more.

Everyone is invited to be a part of the festival whether they want to be a volunteer, a vendor, or a visitor. Watch for more information about the festival.