HIGHLANDS The community is preparing for its annual rite – the Highlands Jamboree, now in its 56th year, according to Jamboree organizers Jessica Woods and various chairpersons from the Chamber of Commerce.
The celebration of Highlands birth will take place on October 6th, with its numerous events held at various venues around the town.
Also planned for the following weekend is the Miss Highlands and Jr. Miss Highlands pageants, according to chairpersons Chrissa Cotten and Delene Cotten. The pageant contestants, all 26 of them, will participate in the Jamboree parade on the 6th, and then hold the competition for titles on Saturday, Oct. 13th, a week later. The Jr. Miss Pageant starts at 2 p.m. in the Highlands Junior School auditorium. The Miss Highlands Pageant will be held starting at 7 p.m. also at the school. Emcee for both pageants is Jeff Moore, managing partner of Sterling-White. The public is invited and welcome to attend these competitions and events.
The Jamboree starts on Saturday morning, Oct. 6 at 7 a.m. with a 5K Fun-Run/Walk starting at the Community Center in Highland Woods. Proceeds from this run benefit Habitat for Humanity in Baytown.
Next is the parade, travelling south down main street from E. Houston Street to Jones Road. Floats will demonstrate this years theme, Peace, Love, and Highlands! Six awards will be given out, in various categories. The Line-up starts at 9 a.m. at Hopper Primary School, the parade starts at 10 a.m.
After the parade ends, attention of the community will turn to the exhibits and activities at the Highlands Elementary School on Wallisville Road. Here will be public safety exhibits, crafts and food booths, the Little Miss/Mister Pageant, the Car Show, a silent auction, door prizes, and entertainment on the stage.
The Car Show will feature antique and recent cars of all types. As Dickie Woods, chairperson, says If youre proud of it… Show it off. Awards will be given in a number of categories, including Chamber Choice, Peoples Choice, Participants Choice, Best of Show. Proceeds will benefit the Highlands Heritage Museum and Preservation Project, which is planning a museum in the Chamber office building, and a restoration and exhibition of the old railcar that ran through Highlands from Houston to Baytown. Entry fee is $25, and includes lunch. There will also be cash prizes. Last year about 35 cars, trucks and other vehicles participated. Touring in the earlier parade is optional but encouraged.
The Little Miss/Mister pageant is for children up to 11 years old, or 5th grade. Awards are given in seven age categories. Entry fee is $35, and proceeds go to the scholarship fund and Partners in Education. Chairperson is Kristy Stallings.
Many persons are involved in helping this event. A few include Reba Rachal, Betty Brewer, Sheila McDonald, Betty Michalsky, Jessica Woods, Dickie Woods, Tonya Russell, Phillip Morris, and many more.