Celebrate a monumental milestone with the city of Jacksonville

You may have already noticed the preparation and flags preparing Jacksonville for it’s upcoming monumental birthday. Jacksonville is preparing for their Sesquicentennial Street Festival and 150th Birthday Celebration on October 22nd. The theme will be “Come Home, Come Downtown, Come Together” and promises to shine a light on the history and future of Jacksonville.

“In 1972, I was part of a sweet bicycle parade celebrating the town’s 100th birthday. It must have made an impression. That’s our goal, to impress Jacksonville’s children, inspiring pride and ownership of their hometown that will carry them for the next 50 years. They are the next party planners!” said Kathleen Stanfill, Celebration Co-Chair.

Downtown Jacksonville has had many changes including new sidewalks, curbs, steps, shops, restaurants, and other improvements. Even through the construction, preparation for the festival has been underway. Now flying is a large banner promoting the day at the intersection of US 69 and 79. “The new owners of the building at that intersection were quick and willing to assist us with a high visibility location to remind people passing by about the Sesquicentennial”, said Stanfill.

Pictured from left to right: Deborah Burkett, Charlie Esco, Kathleen Stanfill, Cassie... — Pictured from left to right: Deborah Burkett, Charlie Esco, Kathleen Stanfill, Cassie Devillier, Tracey Wallace, Sam Hopkins. Not pictured: Johnnie Helm(City of Jacksonville)

The Street Festival will be a fun-filled day in downtown Jacksonville for all that attend! “Kids will find rides, attractions, a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, face painting, immersive exhibits, and so many other exciting activities to keep them entertained. We have five awesome local bands and a spectacular surprise Grand Finale in store for our guests,” added Cassie Devillier, Event Co-Chair. “There will be plenty of picnic tables placed throughout downtown for eating and visiting. People are also encouraged to bring their own chairs. Plan to shop and eat downtown and spend the entire day with your family, friends, and neighbors!”

The Street Festival, the first of its kind in Jacksonville, will begin with a concert on the steps of the town’s beloved Tomato Bowl Stadium. “We want to find voices wherever they are to join the High School choir as we begin this amazing day,” stated Tiffany Hammock, award-winning JHS Choir Director and Community Chorus Organizer. “It’s just a beautiful way to begin a day of fellowship and fun in our town.”

A patriotic children’s parade, Artisan’s Market, Farmer’s Market, Jacksonville Memorabilia Show, Reminisce Room, Vanishing Texana Museum exhibits, demonstrations, shops, restaurants, and music will truly make this a special day for the city of Jacksonville.

The celebration will be on October 22nd, in Downtown Jacksonville, starting at 10:00 AM.

To learn more, you can check out their website or visit their Facebook page.