This year at the 15th Annual Shannon Street Blues & Heritage Festival, we held the first “ Jackson In June” Barbecue Cook-Off Contest. Now with any first year event, there is always a learning curve on what to do and what not to do. My hat goes off to Billy Collins and his daughter Tonya Kenner, co-owners of the Pit Stop Bar & Grill, 35 Westover Drive. They took all the risks, did all the work, set the parameters for the contest including a “Peoples Choice” category that afforded attendees to taste the various cookers recipes during the day. It was a giant step to allow participation from the crowd and each cooker had to pay for their own meat to share, an additional expense beyond their entry fee. The site for the cook-off was changed just weeks before the event and as a result participation was low. In spite of all the hurdles to overcome the cookers say they had a great time and will be back next year.

Having barbeque meals for sale all day Friday and Saturday was an additional highlight, and a lot of people came during the two days just to enjoy good barbeque. Thanks to the Pit Stop Bar & Grill employees.

I think having our own barbeque contest was a great thing. Working with Billy was a joy. He kept saying, “Whatever you want Miss Mary,” which was music to my ears as putting on the two day concerts entailed a lot of details and I wasn't up to par all the time. Thank you Billy and Tonya for just, “doing it.” I appreciate your hard work and dedication that was apparent during the weekend. I know the first year was rough, but next year can only be better.

Patriot Equity Credit Union Opens New Downtown Branch

Patriot Equity Credit Union, formerly Postal Employees Credit Union has closed their office in the Ed Jones Federal Building and moved into their own new facility at 351 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, across from the downtown Post Office.

The state-of-the-art building includes a drive-up ATM, night deposit drop, two drive through lanes, safe deposit boxes and hand recognition security. Stop by and visit the friendly staff. For more information you can all 668.1155.

The Chamber of Commerce, the West Tennessee Business Resource Center (WTBRC) and first Tennessee Bank co-sponsor the monthly networking event geared toward small business for employers with up to twenty employees. This month’s meeting will be held Thursday, June 29th, from 7:45 to 9:00 a.m. A light breakfast will be provided. The topic for the June meeting is “Prospecting & Networking,” presented by Andy Hill of Global DocuGraphix. For more information you may call the Chamber at 427.7900.

Turkey Creek Band To Perform
June 24th at Rotary Park

On Saturday, June 24th, at 2:00 p.m. it’s “Bluegrass in the Park,” when Turkey Creek performs in Rotary Park adjacent to the Jackson Madison County Library.

Plan on bringing your lawn chair and enjoy this open air concert. For more information you can all 425.8600.

Jackson Teen Theatre To Perform at The Ned

The Jackson Teen Theatre will perform “Music Man” on June 29th, 30th & July 1st at 7:30 p.m., at the Ned R. McWherter West Tennessee Cultural Arts Center. The book, music, and lyrics are based on a story by Meredith Wilson and Franklin Lacey. There will be a matinee performance on July 1st at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the Jackson Centre Box Office. Matinee ticket prices are $5.00, in advance and $6.00 the day of the show. Evening shows are $9.00, in advance and $10.00 the day of the show. For more information you can call 425.8587.

Book Signing To Take Place At The Painted Lady

Main Street Publishing will be having a book signing on Wednesday, June 28th, from 2:30 until 4:30 p.m. at The Painted Lady. Featured authors will be Dr. Thomas Campbell with his new release “Tokyo Trolley” memoirs of World War II in the Pacific and Mrs. Julia McBee and her new release “Abandoned” a fiction story about the life of an abandoned child. For more in formation you can call 427.7379.

1) Main Street Bakery has temporarily closed - Watch for their re-opening date in this publication.

2) Don't forget the Miss Tennessee Pageant this week at Carl perkins Civic Center - Weds through Saturday evenings at
7:00 pm each night.