Jane Days Set For Saturday
NEIGHBORS WILL HELP PRESERVE TOWN’S HERITAGE, HISTORY
Jane residents have breathed new life into an old tradition and Jane Days should go off without a hitch this Saturday.
For the second year in a row, Jane Preservation Society volunteers are preparing for the festival that celebrates Jane’s heritage.
Years ago, Jane Days was a strong tradition that brought the community together. In time, however, it faded away. Twenty-some years later, some Jane residents wanted to bring back the festival for families and relive some old-time fun.
Preservation Society president Gayla Baker said organizers are building on the first year’s success and adding several new and exciting activities for kids.
“Last year went very well. It went very smoothly,” Baker said. “But we wanted to add more things to keep the big kids busy so the parents could sit and visit,” she said.
Activities will take place at White Rock Elementary School in Jane.
Several children’s games and activities are
on the agenda this year, including panning for gold. Checkers, cornhole, a cake walk, milking contest, fishing game and face painting are among the highlights.
Organizers also have added a car and tractor show.
The parade will begin at 10:30 in the morning, rather than the afternoon, so neighbors can enjoy a chicken lunch, relax and visit the rest of the day, Baker said.
The day starts with breakfast, from 6:30 a.m. to 9. A fun run will take place at 8, a pageant — including pets — will begin at 9. The parade will follow at 10:30, with games until 1 p.m. A chicken dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Live music will be performed throughout the day, with vendors on hand and raffle drawings taking place.
Pageant categories include Baby Jane Boy; Baby Jane Girl; Tiny Tot Boy, 2-4 years old; Tiny Tot Girl, 2 to 4 years old; Miss Jane, 5-9 years old; Prairie Princess, 10-18 years old; Mrs. Prairie – must be in full costume.
Pet Show categories include Lookalike, Biggest, Littlest, Cutest and Best Costume.
Deadline for the pageant and pet show entries is 8:45 that morning.
Money is raised from food and concession sales, while admission to the event is free. Neighbors bring lawn chairs and enjoy seeing friends they haven’t seen for a while. Visiting was definitely one of the highlights last year, Baker said.
Society members are committed to preserving the history of Jane for future generations by hosting Jane Days and taking on renovation projects. Last year, volunteers finished renovating the old Jane post office right before Jane Days.
“People should remember to bring their lawn chairs. We will have more seating, but bring your lawn chairs and plan on visiting. That’s what everybody talked about,” Baker said.
“As the community came together, it was nice for people to sit and visit.”